Powerful, dramatic works of unflinching emotional intensity: first thoughts on seeing Roxana Halls new paintings opening at Beaux Arts Bath. Despite an obvious debt to the old masters - whence she presumably learned her enjoyment of paint and sumptuous use of colour, (Dutch 17th century crossed with Caravaggesque chiaroscuro) her works are modern and uncompromising. The highly personal subject matter, for instance...the way that relationships and situations are held up for scrutiny; a directness and honesty which is often stark and challenging. Her paintings are awash with clues and references; again, perhaps, a throwback to the code needed to appreciate the masterpieces of an earlier age. Lucky Strike tells a fascinating story, the setting drawn from Roxanas own splendid Art Deco theatre/studio (luxurious/hard-edged) which was (glamorous/poised, gas-masked model) bombed. Even her still lives...carry a disquieting narrative, and hint at great crisis followed by new beginnings and high hopes. Roxana was, in 2000, the youngest artist to have been given a solo exhibition at Beaux Arts and it is astonishing that her passionate, stunning works have not yet received full recognition." Moira Rudolf, Galleries Magazine