Dahl's latest body of work exudes a profound sense of stillness and tranquillity, achieved through a masterful use of organic materials such as pumice stone, hay, and pine needles. These elements not only capture fleeting moments in nature but also evoke a deep-seated nostalgia. The series is saturated with warm tones of yellow, pink, purple, and orange, reminiscent of the sun-drenched Mediterranean summers.
The exhibition's namesake piece, "The Way Home," is the largest canvas in the show, depicting the long driveway lined with cypress trees that leads to Dahl's home. The scene, tinged in purple by the long summer shadows, offers a sweeping vision that reflects the romanticised attachment many of us hold to the idea of home.
This exhibition marks a departure from Dahl’s previous focus on Spanish architecture, moving towards an exploration of the natural environment. Inspired by her relocation from the US to Spain, Dahl contrasts her rural American upbringing and bustling life in New York with the serene Spanish countryside she now calls home. Her work now reflects a slower, more observant pace of life, influenced by her experience of motherhood and the Spanish lifestyle.
A significant shift in Dahl’s new body of work is the absence of human figures, allowing her to spotlight often-overlooked subjects. The hens from her farmstead emerge as central figures, seen through the eyes of her young daughter who delights in watching them. These hens, portrayed from the ground level and in soft, feminine colour palettes, symbolise maternal care and protection.
Camilla Marie Dahl (b. 1993) lives and works between New York and La Bisbal d’Empordà, Spain. She holds a BS from Skidmore College and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art. Her practice explores the intricate balance between human intervention and nature. Drawing from her upbringing, Dahl reflects on humanity’s place within the intertwined world of the artificial and the organic.