Collectors will be familiar with Darlington’s commitment to presenting The Otherworld, in which the rules of scientific law and systems of belief are challenged and restructured on new foundations. Alternative realities for the artist have typically been deeply rooted in ancient mysteries and folklores. As never before, The Worlds Collide is the very first work to be set in contemporary times, soaring above the moonlit iconic skyline of London. Big Ben, the London Eye and St. Pauls sit amongst a glittering array of lamp filled windows. But this isn’t quite the capital we know; children (and pugs) can fly, dragons are real, and magic carpets exist.
Densely detailed, above the city a compact yet strong little girl rides a dragon sounding the battle call. Arms lifted, cupping her hands to her mouth to shout to her comrades above the roar of the Thames river and bustle of London below, she is the figurehead of a tribe fighting for good. Wanting to portray a young heroine centrally to her story in a place of strength, power and freedom, Darlington based her likeness on her niece.
Often listening to audio books whilst painting, the artist reveals that she was listening to beloved series Harry Potter by JK Rowling whilst working.