This selection is bookended by abstraction and the sun, various notions of joy. Whether the images are depicting the vibrancy of light or figures in motion or figures experiencing joy, you are invited to join the journey which depicts themes celebration, togetherness and life. The ruby red lips of a baby in its mother’s arms, a solitary walk at dawn, children's laughter at the British seaside, a raucous night out, and a the life giving energy of the sun. Joy is celebratory of the simplicity of life.

These artworks use vibrant colour to create a rich and inviting sense of atmosphere. From the invocation of a countryside with deep soft purples to the full body experience of blue-haze lit with pink. From an orange trembling to contain the colours within it to the celebratory hues of the harvest. These paintings are timeless in their evocation of an energy inviting the viewer to experience and be part of joy.

The following four paintings celebrate our senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. We are invited to escape lockdown, routine and structure, go out in the sun and celebrate: a day at the seaside, a squelchy hotdog, an evening jazz concert and a walk in autumn leaves. The paintings, both figurative and abstract, use colour and form to portray movement, energy and joy.

The common theme in these artworks is of freedom and movement. This is shown by the loose brush work. They also exude warmth and light by using a warm palette of joyous colours. All the compositions show vigorous energy and movement in their use of the diagonal, shadow and depth. In their way, all are figurative depicting scenes that either show or generate happiness.