The "Eleuthera" series by Sean Scully marks a significant departure in his artistic journey, revealing a more private and figural side of his work that diverges from his renowned abstract compositions. Created between 2015 and 2017, this series draws its name from Eleuthera, a Caribbean island, and focuses on Scully’s son, Oisín, depicting moments of him playing on the beach. This collection stands out for its embrace of figuration, a notable shift from Scully’s signature abstract style that has defined his work since the 1970s.

In "Eleuthera," Scully explores the duality of abstraction and figuration, creating works that simultaneously and independently feature his son in a figurative manner and maintain his abstract geometric paintings. This approach results in a fascinating blend of the two artistic expressions, existing side by side in the same creative space. The series represents not just a stylistic evolution but an intimate reflection on Scully’s part, delving into his identity as a father and observer, contrasting with his ongoing exploration of universal themes through abstraction.

The inspiration for this series, and its departure towards a more figurative representation, stems from Scully's contemplation of familial bliss and the deep personal significance of portraying his son. This shift is not seen as a return to his earlier realism influenced by German Expressionism but rather as an expansion of his abstract vocabulary to capture intimate and deeply personal themes. The paintings use color and form to suggest rather than delineate, drawing parallels with the work of Henri Matisse in their use of color to convey atmosphere and emotion, detached from naturalistic representation.

In the "Eleuthera" series, Scully captures his son's engagement with his surroundings—sand, water, and toys—through a process of abstraction that strips away transient details, aiming to depict the essence of the scene and the profound personal significance it holds for the artist. This series is painted with a broad brush on aluminum, a material that highlights the paint's presence on the surface, adding another layer of texture and depth to the works. This choice of medium and the thematic focus on his son playing signifies a pivotal moment in Scully's oeuvre, presenting a significant artistic manifestation within the genre of children’s portraiture.

"Eleuthera" thus embodies a unique duality within Scully’s body of work, marrying his established abstract techniques with a newfound figurative expression, driven by personal narrative and emotional depth​ (RHA Gallery)​​ (Kerlin Gallery)​.