London Gallery Round-Up October 2024 – Nico Kos-Earle
Deborah Tarr – Cadogan Gallery
Cadogan Gallery opened a brand-new space in Knightsbridge, and it is marvellous. Whilst many other galleries are closing their doors, this move for the family-run gallery is bold and timely. It is also remarkable for two monumental new works by one of the most elusive but, in my humble opinion, greatest British painters, Deborah Tarr. The artist was not present at the opening, as is her way, but that did not matter. She does not need to speak for her paintings; they hold all our attention as if we were standing on the dramatic edge of a coastline, looking out to sea. If you do not know her work or have the great fortune of owning one, get in line.
Simultaneously understated and imposing, like the edge of a forest at dusk, Tarr’s works have a peculiar way of showing you the modern painter’s dance between abstraction and figuration. We might see the dominant line as pointing to something, yet it is entirely independent of the supporting tones. We look at the work and know there was a struggle, a feeling for something, and it was resolved on the picture plane. The hand meets the eye and holds it steady. Timeless and geological, these works bring a whole collection together, and it is a bit wonder Cadogan had them front and centre at their opening. We cannot wait for her solo show. – Until 8th February.
