Megan Rooney on painting: ‘You must dig it all up before you can find what it actually is’

Jessica Lack | Christie’s | 5th September 2024

This review illustrates the difficulty of assessing a new artist. Rooney had her first solo show just three years ago, meaning there is little existing work on which to base critical comments. Each new show carries a lot of “news” about her developing approach. She is a “thoroughgoing abstract artist”, says one writer, inspired by 1950’s abstract expressionism. A group of paintings in the show are “magnificent”. Is that critical or commercial enthusiasm? It should be clear within a decade.