Studio Wolffia / Emily Jackson

Studio Wolffia’s practice, defined by its use of color, form, and pattern, is a powerful expression of resilience that centers on joy. Guided by the philosophy of eudaimonia—the purposeful happiness that Aristotle regarded as the highest meaning of life—Jackson’s works remind us of the delight that can be found in the world. Drawing from personal memories and every day observations, such as the design on a shopping bag, the texture of fabric, or the colours in a box of crayons, her complex compositions embody the bold confidence and intricate depth found in the works of abstract artists like Shirley Jaffe and Bridget Riley.

Inspired by Jungian theory, which recognises the universality of colour and it’s profound emotional impact, Jackson’s palette focuses on yellows and pinks which are consistently associated with happiness, and blues and pastels, which evoke tranquility. The studio’s namesake, Wolffia—the tiniest flowering plant on Earth—serves as a poignant symbol of Jackson’s methodology. Unremarkable in isolation, the Wolffia plant becomes visually compelling as spreads across vast surfaces. This interplay between singular form and expansive pattern not only mirrors the compositions in Jackson’s works but also speaks to the sense of collaboration and inclusivity that is a value running throughout the studios practice.