The Guardian Mazerunner 2021

Camilla d'Errico created this work, The Guardian Mazerunner, by building up layers of paint, creating a luminous and ethereal quality. Looking at this painting, I’m struck by the contrast between the soft, almost fluffy texture of the hair and the vibrant, almost electric blue flames framing her face. It’s like d'Errico is playing with opposing forces: the solid and the ephemeral, the calm and the intense. The paint application is smooth, with subtle gradations of color that give depth to the figure's skin and features. The artist's hand is visible in the delicate brushstrokes that define the hair, creating a sense of movement and lightness. D'Errico shares a similar interest in the power of ambiguity with the work of Ellen Gallagher, who often explores themes of identity and representation through layering and abstraction. Both artists invite viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels, embracing ambiguity and resisting easy interpretations.