A couple of years ago when the world came grinding to a halt, I remember finding my way back to the green spaces of south west London. I was mesmerised by nature's ability to reflourish with more vitality than ever, emboldened by the new quiet that had settled over the city. I created a series of oil paintings characterised by these colours, which became my first collaboration with the Prince and Pilgrim. I continue to create dense swirling compositions that loom over you with vibrant colours, just as if you lie down in the grass and look up.
I largely work as a landscape painter: I gravitate back towards the azaleas and rhododendrons of the parks in South West London. This season, I am also including coastal views from the West Country and Cornwall and swimmers in rivers and the sea.
Each scene conveys the fluidity and movement of water, the way it shapes and is shaped by the human form. The shimmering reflections, the gentle ripples, and the play of light on the water's surface show tranquillity. In all the chaos and all the challenges of life we found that coldest water gives the warmest hugs.
Neve Husaini is a student studying Spanish and French at the University of Bristol. During 2020 she started painting with oils- coinciding with the Covid-19 lockdowns. During a time in which people were confined to their homes and the temperatures were climbing, Neve found solace alongside her fellow Londoners in public parks. Once restrictions lessened, she would spend hours a day at locations such as the Isabella Plantations, being inspired in such a tumultuous time to paint the beauty around her.
Some of her past works featured at Prince & Pilgrim have focused on the concept of memory. Taking inspiration from her time in a wild swimming club at her university, Neve has incorporated waterscapes into her work with the intent of preserving the memory of the experience for herself.