Discover the Collection that Captivated Collectors
Kerry Darlington's Wicked Collection arrives at a moment when narrative art feels more relevant than ever. This body of work is not simply an exploration of witches, mythic realms, and literary worlds. It is a clear step forward in Kerry's artistic evolution, blending her technical craft with a renewed depth of emotion, symbolism, and imaginative reach. Wyecliffe Galleries has represented Kerry for more than twenty years, and Wicked stands out as one of the most ambitious and resonant collections we have ever unveiled with her.
Rooted in Oz yet reaching far beyond it, the collection brings together characters from Wicked, His Dark Materials, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, and folklore from across cultures. Rather than treating these stories as static points of reference, Kerry reinterprets them as living, emotional worlds. She paints not from nostalgia, but from insight. The result is a body of work that feels personal, contemporary, and rich with new meaning.
Behind the Magic of Wicked
One of the privileges of our long-standing relationship with Kerry is the creative access she entrusts to us. For this story, we wanted to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the artist's creative practice. We are sharing a series of never-before-seen studio images that reveal the early stages of several key originals, including the flagship piece Wicked.
These glimpses into Kerry’s process are rare. You will see the very first mockup of the flagship original, Wicked, when the composition looked slightly different and the flow of the Yellow Brick Road was still being worked out. We are also showing an in-progress shot of The Bird Conjuring Charm, capturing Hermione and the rising birds at a moment when the magic was only partly formed. Even unfinished, the emotional clarity is unmistakable.
These images pull back the curtain on how Kerry builds her worlds. They offer a level of insight usually reserved for collectors who have followed her journey for years. By sharing them here, we hope to give every reader a sense of closeness to the art and the artist, and a reason to keep exploring what Wicked has to offer.
A Collection Built on Worlds Within Worlds
The Wicked Collection thrives because of its variety. It is not confined to a single story; it is an exploration of why stories matter. Each artwork becomes a window into a different kind of magic.
In So Long, Omaha, Kerry revisits the moment before the Wizard becomes the Wizard. Oscar Diggs rises above gothic rooftops in a drifting hot air balloon, suspended between the ordinary world and the one that will transform him. The moonlit sky, the metallic glimmer of the balloon rigging, and the steampunk undertones create a bridge between Kerry’s earlier series and the mythology of Oz.
What Alice Found There draws from both her Tree of Life series and her Wonderland motifs, creating a world that feels layered with memory, curiosity, and discovery. Treasures from Alice’s journey cling to the branches with jewel-like clarity, each illuminated by gloss resin and raised 3D detailing. The artwork feels alive with motion and childhood wonder.
Hibernation shifts the tone entirely. A child rests safely within the arms of a great bear as golden leaves drift around them. The piece radiates comfort and seasonal quiet. It connects naturally to ideas explored in our recent article Art To Transform Your Space and Uplift Your Mind, where we discussed art’s power to influence emotion, create calm, and reshape the atmosphere of a home.
Our Own Little Paradise introduces a self-reflective layer to Kerry’s practice. The easel becomes a symbolic presence at the centre of a peaceful forest scene, surrounded by deer, owls, and songbirds. This is one of the first times Kerry has placed a quiet echo of herself inside a narrative environment, which adds a sense of personal harmony to the wider collection.
The flagship piece, Wicked, itself remains the anchor. It celebrates friendship, courage, and the transformative power of connection. Glinda and Elphaba stand side by side, watching Dorothy and her companions follow the path toward the Emerald City. Kerry’s layering technique, from matte varnish to raised detailing, creates a world that feels both cinematic and intimate.
Meaning, Momentum, and a Collector’s Gift
The response to the collection was overwhelming and enthusiastic, with coveted Artist Proofs being snapped up across all titles. The centrepiece of the collection, Wicked experienced all Artist Proofs selling out on launch night, with the wider unique edition release looking set to follow suit very soon. Such a reaction demonstrates the significance of the collection and the connection clients feel to Kerry’s storytelling.
To honour the occasion, those who acquired a work on opening night received a framed, hand-signed print of Dorothy Gale. The gesture felt fitting for a collection built around journeys of courage, friendship, and transformation.
Dorothy Gale - Original
Setting the Stage for What Comes Next
The Wicked Collection reaffirms Kerry Darlington as one of the most imaginative narrative artists working today. It also highlights the range of her practice, from literary portraits to atmospheric landscapes and richly worked abstract pieces like Arrakis, which connect naturally to the ideas explored in our recent article exploring Why Collect Abstract Art. Kerry’s work continues to move between the figurative, the fantastical, and the elemental with confidence and clarity.
For collectors and admirers alike, Wicked offers more than a series of artworks. It is a reminder of why we turn to stories, why we surround ourselves with creativity, and why art remains one of the most powerful ways to transform a space and a state of mind.
