Susie Hamilton

“Riddled with Light” neatly sums up Susie Hamilton’s modus operandi. Not only does it reveal the vital role light plays in her work, but it also emphasizes the violent way in which she wields it. Purposefully, this book isn’t called “Bathed in Light” or “Dappled by Light” – “Riddled with Light” suggests gunshots of energy, bullet-holes burning through flesh and bone. “Riddled” also suggests a dark and hidden destructive power, like woodworm slowly reducing a family heirloom to dust. Light is as much destroyer as creator in her paintings, turning horseback riders into wraiths, irradiating those caught in sandstorms, scorching sunbathers on shadeless beaches.

'Sublime Shivers' essay by Charlotte Mullins