It has been said of Matisse that he was not just aware of the surface of a painting, he actually used it. He used it in such a way that the traditional distinction between figure and ground was scarcely relevant. He energized his surfaces so that there is barely a shift in attention from one to the other. The objects painted are not fixed onto a background; they are placed in spatial relationships.

The work of Kate Elsey can be described in similar terms. The objects depicted occupy their own spaces, but they are related not separated by these spaces. Some of the relationships appear to have arrived by chance, but when a composition works as well as these, chance is not usually a major element. As Matisse himself said in his Notes of a Painter, "In a picture every part will be visible and will play its appointed role, whether it be principal or secondary."

A work entitled The Violinist, for example shows a figure floating in space whilst playing a violin. The floating suggests the ability of music to transport the human mind to other realms of reality. This mysterious quality of music is also conveyed by the indeterminate features of the musician's face, and by the fact that he appears to be wearing some sort of crown. It is further enhanced by the fact that the space is not just a background. It has an important part to play in supporting and inspiring the violinist.

Elsey's use of colour also adds to the magic and mystery of her paintings. Like her spaces, the colours exist not so much for their own individual values, but for the relationships which they create. They merge and blend without losing impact or definition. In The Violinist, white is used as a colour. Both the clothing of the figure and the surrounding space are predominately white. This, however, does not mean that the figure is about to disappear.  He has simply found his appropriate 'space'.

The mystery of The Violinist is also created by Elsey’s individual blend of symbols. Some of her symbols, like birds and trees, are traditional, but others seem to be more personal and private, even dream-like. The violinist wears a crown but no kingly robes. He appears to be the archetypal figure of the wandering musician, drifting in his own space, separated from society.  His face is dark and mysterious – not quite human. Perhaps this is a means of intimating the magical qualities of music. Or, perhaps it is a means of inviting viewers to make up their own narrative, as is the case with many of these works.

The general impression gained from this exhibition is that Kate Elsey is a young, energetic artist who is thoroughly committed to her art. She is proficient in a wide range of media and styles. She uses oils, acrylic and mixed media with equal skill. Her work is quite simply joyful and life affirming without being in the least superficial.