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Lynsey MacKenzie at the Royal Scottish Academy September 2024

"Most volcanoes, most of the time, are tranquil mountains"

Lynsey MacKenzie's "Most volcanoes, most of the time, are tranquil mountains", erupts with raw energy at the RSA Frontier exhibition. This triptych is a terrain of expression where gesture becomes landscape.

MacKenzie's bold mark-making choreographs a visual symphony across the canvases. Vibrant hues pirouette and clash, their interplay as mesmerizing as volcanic fury.

Primal rhythms pulse through every brushstroke. Each panel builds upon the last, a crescendo of colour and form. The artist's visceral connection to her medium is palpable - you can almost feel the sweep of her arm, the passion in each pigment-loaded gesture.

MacKenzie's work is a testament to the power of abstraction. These canvases don't merely represent volcanoes; they embody the very essence of geological drama.

This triptych doesn't just occupy wall space - it engulfs the viewer, demanding engagement. It's a masterclass in tension and release, stillness and motion, the tranquil and the tempestuous.

As you stand before MacKenzie's creation, the boundaries between observer and artwork blur. The dynamic energy of the paintings reaches out, inviting you into their tumultuous world. You find yourself immersed in a dialogue with the elements, where the silence of the canvas and the deafening roar of colours coexist in perfect harmony.

The textures within the triptych are as varied as the volcanic landscapes they evoke. Thick impastos rise like rugged peaks, while delicate washes of colour flow like molten lava. Each detail, meticulously crafted yet wildly spontaneous, adds to the narrative of nature's raw, untamed beauty.

Viewing MacKenzie's work is not a passive experience; it requires your full presence. The paintings provoke thought and stir emotion, leaving an indelible mark on your consciousness. They remind us of the Earth's primal forces, of creation and destruction, of the delicate balance that sustains life.

In "Most volcanoes, most of the time, are tranquil mountains," Lynsey MacKenzie has not only captured the spirit of volcanic landscapes but has also crafted a visual metaphor for the human experience. Her work speaks to the resilience and unpredictability of both the natural world and our own inner landscapes, making this triptych a profound and unforgettable encounter.

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