Memories of Haggis
Selina painted this series of works when her husband Haggis - Richard Austin - was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. She wanted to remember all the countries they visited together. Their love of food was very much part of their relationship, and those memories came strongly to the fore as Selina tried to comprehend Haggis’s diagnosis. Selina has used this focus on food as key inspiration for her work.
Earlier images in the series are memories of food Selina and Haggis shared on their travels. The latter paintings are from memories after Haggis died when Selina continued travelling with their daughter.
The larger paintings are hard hitting – particularly the diptych which combines their early relationship of London, Bristol and The New Forest, started whilst Haggis was still alive. The hungover breakfasts of fried eggs and crispy bacon at the Monte Carlo in Bristol and Marie’s in Lower Marsh London became Skips which he could suck and Fresubin that he needed to drink for additional nutrients while having treatment.
Although these images are painted around the tragic loss of a loved one, Selina chooses to view them as a celebration of life and love.
Countries included in this series are, respectively, Bristol and London; Mexico; Spain; Portugal; Queensland, Australia; Singapore, and Bali, Indonesia.
