‘Shopping’ – Jean Millington

Shopping by Jean Millington is a striking example of modern expressionism, capturing the energy and movement of a bustling crowd with bold, gestural brushstrokes. The elongated, faceless figures create a sense of unity and motion, their fluid forms blending into the softly abstracted background. Vivid colours—mustard yellow, deep reds, and electric blues—enhance the vibrancy of the scene, while the heavy use of texture adds depth and emotion. There is a sense of familiarity in the composition, yet the anonymity of the figures allows the viewer to project their own experiences onto the piece.

Millington’s expressive style prioritises mood over realism, distilling the essence of a shared, everyday moment into an almost dreamlike impression. The figures appear to merge with their surroundings, their reflections stretching downward as if dissolving into the scene. This interplay between abstraction and representation makes Shopping a dynamic and evocative work, inviting contemplation on human connection, movement, and the fleeting nature of urban life.