British artist Selma Parlour (b. 1976, South Africa, British) has etched a distinct niche in contemporary art with her captivating and enigmatic works. Her paintings are characterized by meticulous attention to detail, featuring delicate patterns, geometric shapes, and a nuanced interplay of light and shadow that craft visually arresting illusions challenging the viewer's perception. The artist employs thin layers of paint, resulting in mesmerizing depth and luminosity in her works. Parlour's approach is marked by meticulously rendered oil paintings that give the appearance of being drawn, dyed, or printed. Her inventive approach to historic abstract painting and minimalism offers a contemporary reassessment of intrinsic and extrinsic conventions.
Parlour's oeuvre is intellectually stimulating and visually complex, reflecting her deep fascination with the history of painting, especially geometric abstraction. Her reinterpretation and modernization of this genre form a thoughtful dialogue with the past, seamlessly interwoven with contemporary perspectives that prompt viewers to reconsider the boundaries of traditional painting.
Holding a Master's degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, University of London, Parlour has exhibited extensively in solo and group shows, earning recognition at renowned galleries and institutions like Almine Rech in Paris, the Saatchi Gallery in London, FOLD Gallery in London, and the Contemporary Art Society in Vienna. Notably, she secured an Abbey Fellowship in Painting, leading to a 3-month residency at the British School at Rome in Spring 2023. Parlour's ability to blend technical skill with conceptual depth has garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a notable figure in contemporary art. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring power of traditional techniques reimagined through a modern lens, offering immersive experiences that transcend conventional painting boundaries.