Cricket Fine Art is pleased to present The Golden Thread, an exhibition of new works by British artist Jemma Powell (b.1980, Sussex), hosted by Thyme in collaboration with Tusk, the international conservation charity, from 10 November through to 7 January 2024. This is the artist’s third solo show in the UK with proceeds from the sale of works donated to Tusk for whom the artist is a global ambassador.
The title, The Golden Thread, is inspired by Caryn Hibbert’s (founder and creative director of Thyme), observations and writing of the migratory birdlife in the Water Meadow at Thyme, which travel between sub-Sahara Africa and the meadows, making vital connections between continents. Powell’s work shines a light on conservation as she observes the golden thread between the people, the wildlife and the nature that surrounds them.
The Golden Thread is presented as a series of thematic works, sitting in conversation with each other, emblematic of fragility, hope and how a community draws together. The exhibition sparks a new direction for Powell; the work is expansive and unexpected and imbues each scene with a deep respect for nature. Powell perfectly captures the setting sunsets, family gatherings and wildlife. Powell often works from preparatory drawings and watercolour sketches before embarking on a painting; fusing memory and drawings to create a visual recollection of what she’s seen.
Painted in the artist’s distinctive colour palette, Powell’s paintings transport the viewer to the vast landscapes of Africa, walking with Maasai guides, fading sunsets; and market scenes.
Powell says of the paintings: “I wanted to capture the connection between the communities going about their ordinary lives while also being aware of the need to protect the natural world around them, forging this golden connection that bonds us all together.”
Leslie Pratt, Cricket Fine Art added: “As an ambassador for Tusk Trust – and following a couple of Jemma Powell’s recent trips to Kenya (during one she ran the Lewa Safari Half Marathon in aid of Tusk) – Jemma has produced an inspired body of work. In collaboration with Thyme, Cricket Fine Art are delighted to present this exhibition in support of Tusk.”
Caryn Hibbert, Founder and Creative Director of Thyme: “We are delighted to support Tusk’s work throughout this wonderful continent and welcome Jemma’s exhibition to the Tithe Barn, to shine a light on how we are all interconnected. Our health and happiness is inextricably linked to that of the natural world, and we must do everything we can to protect it and to deepen the understanding that in nurturing nature, we nurture ourselves”.
The Golden Thread, 10 November to 7 January 204, presented by Cricket Fine Art at Thyme, in collaboration with Tusk.
Powell’s work is also included in the Art for Charity Collective Group Show from 22 November to 11 December, on view at The Swan in the Cotswolds, Horatio’s Garden online Art auction 13-29 October and Together We Art: Architect of One’s Life from 15-19 November at Cromwell Place, London.
