Monochrome at home?

White walls tend get a lot of stick. Sometimes seen as an unimaginative, generic way to display art, gallerists that rely on an all-white aesthetic have been criticised as too safe, too soporific, or just plain dull. Increasingly, exhibition spaces and galleries are ditching the familiar white-wash, and replacing it with patterned wallpaper, bright colours and innovative design.

Despite this shift, the home continues to be a place where the use of white is hotly contested. Insert ‘white’, ‘interiors’ and ‘debate’ into Google, and you’re faced with a multitude of blog posts that lambast or celebrate the qualities of a white space in equal measure. Whilst some promote an entirely white home, to inject serenity, and add additional light into your space, others view white as trendy, unrealistic and ultimately, boring.

With these arguments raging across the interior design world, we started to think about the impact of black and white art within the home. And we’ve got to say, we’re a fan of the monochrome look. From our white stands at the fairs that soften louder artworks and strengthen quieter ones, to our gallerists selling startling monochrome pieces, black and white artworks have a power and originality which can transform a busy space. As many of our gallerists will tell you, a black or white piece doesn’t have to be safe or simplistic. Rather, it’s a bold, brave way to add that something extra to your home, whether you’re looking to make a statement, calm down a room, or just try something new.

Clever clouds

Flo from Smithson Gallery explains how monochrome art can anchor a room, allowing breathing space within an interior, welcoming colours in other areas and proving simple yet bold. The work of Bristol based artist Helen Jones is a prime example of how monochrome can produce a calming effect — and in this case, subtly bring the outdoors in. Using black pigment and rubbers on tracing paper, she creates tremendous original monochrome drawings of clouds.

‘These works cleverly play with the way light can change a monochrome image and the clouds emerge and remain fluid throughout – dancing across the drawing.’ explains Flo. Helen’s careful process builds up a complex and layered tonal image, creating a captivating image, which would be lost if they were depicted in colour.

Simplistic sculpture

Ceramics artists Pierre Williams and Katharine Morling show how monochrome adds a touch of intrigue, fluctuating between delicate and thoughtful to quirky, playful pieces. Their choice to opt for a starker palette leads to these curious little sculptures and makes a strong visual statement. By displaying the sculpture on a mirrored plate, in a cluster or on a coloured wall, a wide variety of effects can be made.

Katharine says of her work: ‘My work can be described as 3 dimensional drawings. Each piece, on the surface, an inanimate object, has been given layers of emotion and embedded with stories, which are open for interpretation. The works I create are pieces of narrative in my progressing story, one piece leads to the next and I work very instinctively. My work represents my inner searching, shown outwardly in domestic and uncanny scenes.’

Minimalist lines

No one does minimalism like Hebe Rose. Her striking work and expressive lines are a testament to the simple yet bold power of black marks on white. Hebe’s artworks aim to fight against the male gaze directed towards the female form, bringing a power and autonomy to women and their bodies. She wants women to feel empowered through her pieces and to show a beauty which women may not have seen before in their form. Adding a minimalist, simple print like Hebe’s, adds the perfect amount of sophistication to an otherwise busy space.

Finally, perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of a black and white artwork is the magic that they can convey. The work of Alvaro Petritoli has a timeless quality. True, his work almost borders into grey with its inky tones; but it undoubtedly harnesses the impact of monochrome. He uses ink in combination with tea, gelatin, salt, iron powder and paper pulp allowing a fluid approach where unexpected outcomes and even accidents are very much part of the creative process.

Whether you’re looking for a powerful statement, a sophisticated flourish or some added tranquillity, don’t overlook monochrome pieces when considering your next purchase. Discover magnificent monochrome pieces available on our online marketplace now.

Main Image: Griselda Duch, Wavy, digital print, edition of 20, £350, Albumen Gallery