Hetty Haxworth

Hetty Haxworth's "Casting a Yellow Hue" presents a striking exercise in geometric abstraction through a minimalist palette. This painted relief on wood creates a sophisticated interplay between form and negative space, with rectangular shapes in cream, black, and pale yellow arranged in a careful horizontal composition. Haxworth employs overlapping transparent layers that create subtle depth and dimension, allowing certain elements to recede while others advance. The delicate lines that frame and intersect these geometric forms add a sense of precision and architectural quality to the work, while the gentle yellow cast referenced in the title adds warmth to an otherwise restrained colour scheme.

A Study in Spatial Relationships
When displayed in a contemporary setting, this compact yet impactful piece (19.5 x 34 cm framed) commands attention despite its modest dimensions. The horizontal format creates a sense of quiet contemplation and balance, making it particularly effective in spaces where a moment of visual calm is desired. Haxworth's disciplined approach to composition reflects influences from mid-century modernism while maintaining a distinctly contemporary sensibility. The work transforms a wall by introducing a sophisticated visual rhythm that draws the eye across its carefully balanced elements, creating a focal point that enhances rather than dominates its surroundings.