Shani Rhys James: The Inconstant State, Connaught Brown

Welsh artist Shani Rhys James is fast becoming one of the most talked about artists in the contemporary art world. Known for her striking portraits and bold representations of childhood and womanhood, the opening of The Inconstant State marks the fourth solo exhibition for Rhys James at the Mayfair-based gallery.

Drawing upon memories and experiences from her own life, a recurring basis of Rhys James’ work, the exhibition features portraits of family members, including an unseen painting of her ageing mother, and portraits of her young grandson. The exhibition is all about the temporary nature of human existence and the inevitable process of ageing.

Perhaps the most important image in the collection, Cutting my Hair, presents a woman about to cut a clump of her own hair whilst staring into the mirror. In an attempt to embody her former self, this painting alludes to the unrelenting nature of time and a yearning to relive the past, notions that are central to this exhibition. In more graphic images, visuals of the decaying female figure can be seen.

Rhys James' reappearance in London comes three years after her 2015 residency at Columbia University in New York.