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“We are inviting our audience to enjoy a lively and uplifting exhibition full of surprises,” say Francesca Zagari and Simona Puidokaite, of their exhibition at the Peggy Jay Gallery this month.
Why Be Normal When You Can Be Happy will bring a pop of colour to Hampstead with abstract artworks and interior design objects such as trays and coffee tables featuring swimmers and lollipops.
The title is inspired by Jeanette Winterson’s memoir and is also a neon artwork by Zagari.
Running from August 21 until September 1, the exhibition captures the artists’ ‘joie de vivre’ philosophy of prioritising happiness and mental wellbeing. Both Zagari and Puidokaite see art as “a vital way to introduce more joy into our homes”.
They are a collective of two Europeans, who have made London their home in the last two decades. Both women lead successful careers in the visual fields: Puidokaite as a graphic designer and Zagari as a visual merchandising and prop maker.
While the exhibition presents a colourful exploration of their London journey, capturing their experiences and views, the artists also invite visitors to explore how their own emotions and mental states are impacted by the colours and shapes that surround us.
“Colours may not have words, but they do speak to us”, say the duo as they encourage a dialogue on how colour can bring joy, address wellbeing and open new ways to navigate our emotions.
Alongside Puidokaite’s abstract paintings there are interior design items and a series of lollipop-like sculptures “to reconnect with your long lost inner child”.
Zagari works with everyday objects and reconstructs different materials into playful artforms focusing on finishes, colour and textures.
Along with the lollipop sculptures, she will also be showcasing her resin collage artworks with real and imaginary worlds of individuals going about their day.
Her past group exhibitions include the former Aeon Gallery on Heath Street in Hampstead in 2020.
Puidokaite’s creative process leans towards the minimalist, with elegance, slow rhythm and simplicity in her choice of shapes, lines and colours.
Her work becomes a safe place to which she invites the viewer to escape from their chaotic lives.
Simona will present a new series of paintings on natural linen and hand made paper filled with a kaleidoscope of colours and inspired by her summer travels and the energy of the season.
The artist, who is marking her first exhibition in the UK after years of selling her work worldwide, reveals that they actually represent herself, cheekily peeking out at the viewer and at the joyful and chaotic world around us.
While there are lollipop motifs and sculptures that resemble giant lollipops, visitors to the gallery may be lucky enough to pick up one that they can eat on their way out.
Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal runs at the Peggy Jay Gallery at Burgh House Hampstead from August 21 until September 1.
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