There Is Only You

Creating images of decadence and vice through candy colours and playful form, Graceland London presents the perfect balance between the beautiful and the dark, reflecting the social and economic climate with a supernatural scepticism.

A femme fatale figure plays chess, but the pawns are far from traditional. The bloodied hand of another touches the player’s wrist, are they looking to take control of her game? The painting features many of Graceland London’s signature motifs, including the ‘squeegee’ – a small, colourful, expressive character that represents the ego, often acting as an indicator of the wider narrative behind the image.

With an assorted melting pot of inspiration, Graceland London sees her paintings as faceless self-portraits, highlighting the strength, darker beauty and resilience of women, whilst tackling emotions and themes that everyone can connect with, no matter who they are.

The collection’s title, Spotlight on the Shadows, reflects Graceland London’s interest in the natural duality of life and the idea of ‘sonder’, the realisation that everyone you see has a life as full and complex as your own.

The skull, the egg, the leading femme fatale; all familiar iconography seen throughout art history, from the old masters to contemporary pop art, but Graceland London uses them differently. While whole eggs have traditionally been featured to represent optimism and new life, Graceland London inverts this tradition by presenting surrealist-style fried eggs with golden yellow or acid green yolks as a poignant metaphor for how identities and perceptions are moulded by society’s expectations and norms.

This artwork is a Mixed Media limited edition on Somerset Satin 410gsm Paper on 3mm Float Glass. This artwork is also available in a framed set of four here.

Find out more about this collection here or alternatively shop more Graceland London art here.