Emma Rose Schwartz in Brunette Coleman
Emma Rose Schwartz’s exhibition at Brunette Coleman was truly one of the most memorable I’ve seen this autumn, largely because of the way her materials worked in such harmony with the themes of her work. The combination of pencils, color pastels, and charcoals on layered papered canvas gave the pieces a wonderful balance of lightness and depth. The smoothness of the pastels created a softness, while the precision of the pencils and the heavier application of charcoal added contrast and texture. There’s a real honesty in how she uses these materials—they feel spontaneous and raw, yet there’s also a careful attention to detail that draws you in.
What stood out to me was how the layered papered canvas seemed to speak to the themes of vulnerability and complexity in her work. The way she builds up layers creates an almost tactile sense of time or memory, where each layer can be read as a moment or feeling that’s been built upon. It made me think about how the materials we choose in our practice can shape the experience of the viewer. The way Schwartz's materials interact with the light in the gallery also gave the work a certain fluidity, as if it was constantly shifting as you moved around it. That’s something I’m starting to think more about in my own work—how material choices can subtly influence the mood and meaning of the piece, especially when it comes to capturing a sense of space or memory.
Guimi You in Almine Rech
Guimi You’s exhibition at Almine Rech was a captivating exploration of the quiet, intimate moments of daily life. Her work, as she says, reflects her real-life experiences—simple acts like traveling, having coffee in cafes, reading, or tending to plants. The way she captures these ordinary, yet meaningful moments is deeply personal, but also universally relatable. What stands out to me is the atmosphere she creates in each piece. At first glance, her paintings offer a sense of coziness and calm, drawing you into the peaceful rhythm of her daily activities. But as you spend more time with the work, you begin to notice the intricate details and thoughtful design behind each composition.
One of the most striking aspects of her paintings is the way she arranges each object in her scenes. Every item in the painting has a specific reason for being placed where it is, and the positioning feels intentional, almost like a quiet conversation between elements. The light in her works is another element that deserves attention—whether it’s the soft glow of a lamp or the natural light falling through a window, the way the light is depicted always feels delicate and real. There’s an underlying precision in how she handles perspective and angle, which I find really impressive. It’s not obvious at first, but when you start analyzing her work, you realize just how carefully each detail has been considered.
What I appreciate about Guimi You’s approach is how she can make everyday life feel extraordinary. Her work makes you stop and appreciate the small moments that often go unnoticed. At the same time, it’s a reminder of how powerful composition and design can be in capturing the essence of a scene. The more I look at her paintings, the more I find myself drawn into the quiet details, reflecting on how these fleeting moments in her life can hold so much depth and beauty.
