Three female figures emerge through the composition: two large overlapping faces and a smaller full-length woman positioned between them, appearing to move through the image. Flowers, branches and botanical forms weave throughout the canvas, while hair and tree-like lines repeatedly merge, blurring the boundary between the female figure and the natural world. Flowers appear in different styles and stages of definition, reinforcing ideas of growth, renewal and gradual flourishing.

An earthy palette of sepia, umber, ochre and cream is softened by pale blue and sage, while platinum gilding enamel introduces subtle points of reflected light. By allowing traces of the original composition to remain visible beneath the finished surface, O’Connor makes the painting’s transformation part of the artwork itself. From Failure We Shall Flourish ultimately embodies its title: what first appeared unsuccessful becomes the ground from which something new can grow.

From Failure We Shall Flourish is an original, one-of-one large-format mixed media painting on canvas, 152 × 122 cm, available through Eclectic Gallery, Fitzrovia, London. To enquire or arrange a private viewing, contact the gallery.