This exhibition celebrates the legacy of modernism in East Anglia through a curated selection of contemporary artists working in abstraction, with Margaret Mellis’ vibrant painting, 'Lilac Yellow,' (held in the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation Collection at the Minories) as a focal point. Mellis, who was born in China and raised in Scotland, immersed herself in the artistic movements of the time, particularly during her influential years in St Ives, Cornwall. Her interactions with prominent figures like Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo shaped her artistic journey, as she explored the realms of colour and abstraction.

In addition to Mellis’s work, the exhibition features a variety of artists who interpret abstraction in compelling ways. Simon Carter utilises loose, painterly techniques while Ian Boutell’s careful compositions focus on flat colour planes. Liam Hennessy and Clare Iles enrich the exhibition with their innovative use of wood and found objects, mirroring Mellis' practice during her time later in life living in Suffolk.

Amanda Ansell and Ruth Philo interpret the world around them in contrasting ways, Ansell's work is a sweeping exploration of natural forms and colour, whereas Philo’s work incorporates tessellation - mirroring shapes and patterns seen in contemporary and historical architecture. The soft nature of thread is challenged by the tight lines of Peter Collingwood’s textile pieces. 

Abstract artists often explore the relationship between two and three dimensions, sometimes creating almost optical illusions. Ron Sims' sharp shapes draw connections between abstraction and architecture, and Molly Thomson’s jutting canvases are a bridge between wall and space. John Plowman’s 3D shapes reimagine the boundaries of drawing and space, inviting viewers to consider the dimensionality of abstraction in new ways.

Together, these artists reflect the enduring impact of modernism and its evolution in contemporary art. Through their diverse interpretations of abstraction, they continue to draw inspiration from Mellis’ pioneering spirit, demonstrating a vibrant dialogue between past and present.