HOME presents I See In Colour, the debut solo exhibition by British painter Cece Philips. Existing in the intersection of the real and the imagined, I See In Colour draws inspiration from archival writings, historical photographs and family tales to explore and celebrate the histories of Black figures in Britain. The title, a play on the familiar phrase “I don’t see colour”, points to Philips’ use of pigment to inject the painted scenes with vitality and life. Philips’ focus is undeniably on the individuals that populate her paintings, a series of startlingly vibrant figures that stretch across her large-scale canvases against the muted background tones.

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The work narrates a collection of stories that are loosely split into four chapters. Each segment is infused with a different colour, rich with West African associations. Yellow, to reflect the prosperity and successes of individuals of the diaspora; Pink, typically associated with conventionally feminine traits, with the aim of challenging and subverting preconceived notions of Black masculinities; Blue, embracing harmony, resilience and pride; And green, conjuring images of growth and nurturance to visually communicate the power of strong family ties.

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I See In Colour is celebration of the uplifting nature of our lesser known stories, of the redemptive power of connection and pride in the face of systemic hardship. Here, at HOME, we invite you to enjoy the vibrant jubilance of Philips’ work and imagine the lived realities, the individual successes and shared experiences, of her remarkable figures and their collective joy.