Lisbeth Thalberg
Showcasing a selection of vibrant landscapes and sketch works, Open Eye Gallery presents a new series of paintings by Scottish artist Leon Morrocco RSA RGI in his upcoming exhibition Terre et Mer. Morrocco’s invigorating and sunny paintings capture the warmth of the southern European lifestyle, and the bright and calming beauty of its sea and mountainscapes.
Terre et Mer reflects Morrocco’s transcendental experience of nature as he moved up into higher ground, and transports us into a colourful realm of harmony and comfort. The contrast with the more rigid and architectural cityscapes of the coastline reminds us of the multifaceted aspects of life, and encourages us to be more mindful of our environment and how we connect with it.
Leon Morrocco returns to the mountains of the South of France in a body of works which takes us from the streets and beach fronts of Nice to the hillsides of Roquefort-les-Pins. It was a visit to a family home in the heights of the Alpes-Maritimes that initially inspired the artist to paint the drama of the hillside. Eventually retracting from the overwhelming popularity of the French Riviera, Morrocco reconnected with the wonders of his cherished mountains, where he could explore the expansiveness of nature and the freedom of his creative pursuit.
Reflecting on his artistic process for this selection of works, Leon Morrocco comments, It was a relief to be using organic shapes… it was looser and freer, it freed me up actually. The process of painting became more open-ended… and somehow with the landscape I was able to change quite a lot, without feeling like I was diverging from the subject matter; I was actually adding to it, I was able to be more creative with the shapes.
Whether we live a fast or slow life, Leon Morrocco’s upcoming show promises to be a memorable and cathartic experience, grounding us in the present moment – a return ticket to the bewitching French Mediterranean.
