Ambohimanga Series | beverleyjohnson

Ambohimanga

The paintings in this series are all inspired by the walls of the Queen's Palace at Ambohimanga in Madagascar. I visited Madagascar in 2022 and immediately fell in love with the colourful, ancient buildings in the capital, Antananarivo. The walls of the Queen's Palace are particularly fascinating. Black patches have spread across one wall, while areas of cream-coloured paint have cracked and peeled, leaving abstract marks reminiscent of landscape.

These works start from a black background and have layers of gold and copper paint as well as creamy impasto, which give the paintings a depth that reflects how the walls of the palace have weathered and changed with the passing of the centuries.

A middle-sized abstract painting in black, gold and cream

Ambohimanga 4

The Queen's palace at Ambohimanga in Madagascar inspired this abstract painting, which features a rich interplay of colours and textures. I was drawn to the dark colours in the wall of the palace coupled with the creamy plaster that has cracked and fallen away leaving interesting patterns. The painting has layers of fluid gold paint printed on a dark background. Areas of thicker paint and splashes of vibrant blue add interest. It is a small painting that would look lovely in a cosy corner of a living room. It could be hung on its own or with another painting from the Ambohimanga series.

Mixed media on linen
40 x 40 cm

A small abstract painting in black, cream and orange, with lively marks.

Ambohimanga 3

A playful abstract painting. Ambohimanga 4 was very loosely inspired by the cracks in the wall of the royal palace at Ambohimanga in Madagascar. This painting will make a striking addition to a modern art collection. Hang it on its own or with others in the Ambohimanga series.

Mixed media on linen
40 x 40 cm

A square painting with beautiful and fascinating marks in black, gold and copper paint

Ambohimanga 2

This striking artwork was inspired by the wall of the royal palace of Ambohimanga in Madagascar. I love the dark colours in the wall coupled with the creamy plaster that has cracked and fallen away leaving interesting patterns. The painting features layers of fluid gold paint printed on a dark background. Areas of thicker paint and splashes of vibrant blue add interest. It is a small painting that would look lovely in a cosy corner of a living room. Ready to hang.

Mixed media on linen
40 x 40 cm

A stunning medium-sized painting with a beautiful textured background. Abstract painting in black and warm yellow ochre and burnt sienna.

Ambohimanga 1

The weathered wall of a palace in Madagascar provided the inspiration for this painting. This is for you if you love warm colours and fascinating textures in an artwork. You'll want to come back and look at it time after time. It's a medium sized painting that will look great in a well-lit corner.

Mixed media on linen
80 x 60 cm

Ambohimanga 1

Bringing interest to the corner of a room

A medium-sized painting that looks like a beautiful landscape. The painting has a beautiful, textured surface built up with layers of tissue paper. Black, cream and burnt sienna

Ambohimanga 8

This painting has a lovely, textured surface, created with tissue paper. Soft earthy colours contrast with the black background, giving it a warm atmosphere.

Mixed media on linen
80 x 60 cm

A small abstract painting in black, gold and cream

Ambohimanga 5

A small painting inspired by patterns created by peeling paint on the wall of the Queen's Palace of Ambohimanga.

Mixed media on canvas
20 x 20 cm

A small, abstract painting on canvas. Square shaped. Pale orange and green on a black background.

Ambohimanga 6

Warm colours and organic shapes feature in this charming little painting, which would look good grouped with other small artworks.

Mixed media on canvas
20 x 20 cm

A small, square abstract painting. Colours are black, burnt sienna and cream. Looks like a mountain landscape.

Ambohimanga 7

This small painting has the feel of a landscape and features beautiful, warm earthy colours. Lovely on its own or in a group.

Mixed media on canvas
20 x 20 cm

Four beautiful paintings grouped together on a wall

A pleasing group

A small square painting in cream and blue.

Ambohimanga 10

A bright and fresh painting to add light and colour to an art collection. Its small size means it would look good in a cosy space or grouped with other artworks.

Mixed media on wooden board
30 x 30 cm