HIDDEN DEPTHS is the latest collection by internationally acclaimed artist Nicholas Romeril. Known for his evocative portrayals of remote and extreme environments, his work offers a profound reflection on the beauty and fragility of the natural world, with a focus on conservation. Over the course of his thirty-year career, his art has been exhibited widely across Europe and beyond, cementing his status as a leading voice in environmental art.
Nick’s artistic journey began with a scholarship from the Royal Overseas League International Painting Competition during his time at Camberwell College of Arts. This opportunity took him to Mexico, sparking a lifelong passion for travel and cultural exploration. After returning to London, Romeril exhibited his work and shared a studio in Brixton. His travels across Southeast Asia and Australia further expanded his creative vision, ultimately influencing the global perspective that defines his art today.
This latest collection offers a striking visual narrative of Romeril’s experience in the Seychelles, where his deep engagement with the ocean and its fragile ecosystems prompted him to break the sea’s surface and peer into its hidden depths. His dedication to conservation and his passion for the natural world are palpable in these vibrant, immersive works.
HIDDEN DEPTHS invites viewers to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world and reflect on the importance of protecting our planet’s most delicate ecosystems. Romeril’s stunning new series offers both an artistic and environmental journey, urging us to consider the vital role we play in safeguarding these extraordinary landscapes.
Alongside Nicholas will be the debut exhibition from Cristabelle Jégard. A recent graduate of Aberystwyth University with a degree in fine art and art history, Cristabelle Jégard has rapidly made a name for herself with her distinctive, vibrant style. Her art draws inspiration from the German Expressionists and iconic figures like Matisse, Picasso, and Gauguin, creating a compelling fusion of historical influence and personal vision.
Cristabelle’s debut at JARO will feature a series of striking seascapes that reflect her deep connection to the ocean. Growing up on the island, she spent countless hours exploring its beaches, envisioning herself as Robinson Crusoe. This intimate bond with the sea is evident in her work, where she employs bold, harmonious colours to evoke the emotive power of the ocean. She likens her use of colour to musical notes, with each hue carefully chosen to create a specific emotional resonance.
Her artistic process begins with selecting a perspective from which to view the landscape, followed by sketching her vision. She then translates these sketches into vibrant oil paintings in her studio. Cristabelle’s work is characterised by its rich, deep colours and dynamic compositions, reflecting her year-round connection to the sea as both a surfer and swimmer.
In addition to her emerging career, Cristabelle has undertaken notable projects that highlight her versatility and commitment. In 2023, she was commissioned to paint a mural of the Austrian mountains in Mayerhofen and a chalet in Hintertux, which supported her creative journey across Europe. This period of travel followed an injury that led her to explore art galleries in Paris and Stuttgart, including the Musée Picasso and Staatsgalerie Stuttgart.
For her first exhibition at JARO, Cristabelle presents a captivating new series of artworks that showcase her signature bold use of colour and profound connection to island life. Her paintings capture the beauty and raw energy of the ocean, offering a fresh perspective that complements Nicholas Romeril’s submarine vistas. Together, their works create a dialogue between two artists united by their love of the sea, inviting viewers to explore the deep emotional and environmental themes embedded in their art.
HIDDEN DEPTHS
Open For Daily Viewings
19th October – 9th November. Tues – Sat – 10am – 3pm
JARO Gallery No 1 York Street
Opening Night Friday 18th October – 5:30pm-7:30pm
Includes Live Performance From Tom Rolls
