Cubitts in Conversation: Laxmi Hussain

C: What initially inspired you to use the colour blue throughout your work ?
L: My mum, one of my earliest memories is of a trip home to the Philippines for the first time. I was 5, and my mum woke me up early one day during our trip to take a trip to a beautiful resort near our home town. I remember this day so vividly, and her outfit is blue denim, head to toe.

C: What does the colour mean to you ?
L: It’s my mum, it's my wedding day, it's stoked in memory, mostly of my mum, she loved blue. My mum died nearly 4 years ago and when I paint in blue, I feel like I’m pouring her into my work and she’s with me. Blue is also such a vibrant colour and it often evokes calm and tranquillity in most of us, reminding us of the sea, blue skies and moments wrapped up in those things.

C: Was there a reason behind the particular shade that is present throughout your work?
L: I am just drawn to it, its visual impact, for me it feels like eye candy, it's just so satisfying to look at. It also sits and compliments natural tones so well. I am really interested in the conversations blue has with neutral tones like browns and earthy reds which I often combine in my work.

C: Is there a name for the particular colour ?
L: I think electric is quite a good word for it. It’s such a visually pleasing tone that hits me in such a way I can’t stop admiring it and I’ve been using it for years.

C: Many people are scared to use colour in their everyday life - how would you encourage people to introduce the use of colour ?
L: It can just be a small pop, to introduce colour doesn’t mean we need to change everything about us, I’m a real minimalist when it comes to my wardrobe, especially about colour. However a small pop of colour, whether it be your glasses, a watch or just your t-shirt can really be enough. It also really highlights that colour amongst the backdrop of your usual style and that can be quite fun and intriguing.

C:If you had to give the colour a bio, what 3 words would you use to describe it ?
L: Electric, striking and confident.

Visit thislakshmi.com to see more work from Laxmi Hussain.

Join Laxmi on 24th and 26th May 2022 at Cubitts Belgravia for a guided class exploring self appreciation, honouring the body and creating minimal artworks. Tickets here.