To coincide with the Gallery reopening, we are excited to present a major solo exhibition of new work by artist Emma Richardson. Spanning the gallery’s entire east wing, this show features a striking series of oil paintings that delve into the themes of desire, transcendence, and the sublime through a distinctly female lens.

Known for her visceral use of paint and layered surfaces, Richardson creates large-scale, seductive works that blur the boundaries between the bodily and the celestial.  Her immersive visual world draws on baroque drama, sci-fi atmosphere, influences ranging from writer Annie Ernaux to female surrealist artists, and her own lived experience as a touring musician.

This exhibition holds particular significance in Southampton, where Richardson was born and lived for much of her life. A regular visitor to the Gallery, Richardson has selected works from the city’s collection, to be shown alongside her own, highlighting both the influence and relevance of specific artists, and creating a dialogue between contemporary and historic voices.

Emma Richardson, Frisson, 2025, oil on canvas © the artist

Emma Richardson, Pouring Forth, 2025, oil on canvas © the artist

Emma Richardson, I Slipped My Body Completely, 2025, oil on canvas © the artist