Jennifer Morrison, creates abstract paintings which are primarily concerned with colour, scale, texture and form. Although she has lived in London for over two decades, the colours of South Africa have never left her and remain a central influence in her work. She is interested in weighing accident against deliberation, precision and control against playfulness and abandon. Whether it is a plant or clouds or smudges on a wall, these can all serve as inspiration for Morrison and act as a starting point for a painting.
Her work explores the medium of oil paint and seeks to rely on the intuition of the artist in the making of the works and on the person who views them. The experience of making the works is based on unconscious filters, values, past experience and knowledge. Her paintings raise the issue of the viewer’s expectation of paintings, the need for some to see it perform as a narrative space within which the image and meaning can unfold. Telling stories is not a primary concern for the artist. The visual impact and experience is paramount.
Morrison studied both in South Africa and in London, where she graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. She has had solo shows in Johannesburg, London and Durban and been in group exhibitions in London, New York and Cape Town. Her work is in private collections in South Africa, Singapore, United States, Australia and London. Morrison lives and works in London.