Hulda Guzmán's world of wonder and exploration at Turner Contemporary

Hulda Guzmán's paintings are immediately striking from a distance and up close each one is a maze of discoveries. Grand landscapes and tiny details make hers a world you can easily get lost in.

Created in her studio in the rainforest mountains of Samaná in the Dominican Republic, Guzmán takes real life nature scenes and embellishes them with mystery and magic. Playing with perspective - both literally and figuratively - she explores our connection with nature and our inner selves.

"I am interested in exploring mystery as an integral part of our existence," says Guzmán. "When nothing is certain, anything is possible."

In her first European exhibition, Margate's Turner Contemporary displays paintings created by Guzmán over the last decade, including pieces completed this year.

The first room features artworks made on wood panels, layered with veneers that add depth and add to the sense of wonder contained within the images. As the exhibition progresses, her landscapes become more expansive and detailed. Narrative features heavily in her work, and many of the paintings features magical and mysterious creatures.

Drawing on a variety of influences including folk art, Mexican murals, and contemporary Western painters, her vibrant colour palette and playful style illicit joy and wonder in every brushstroke. Gathering together is a common theme throughout her work, adding further to a sense of playfulness and fun.

This exhibition will be an introduction to Hulda Guzmán for many and it's brilliant to see Turner Contemporary showcases an emerging name such as this - particularly so closely after working with Bridget Riley and David Hockney (himself a big influence on Guzmán). Introduction made, it seems unlikely that Hulda Guzmán's return to Europe will be far off.

Hulda Guzmán: Please awake - asked Nature kindly is on display at Turner Contemporary in Margate from May 25 until September 13. Free entry. Find out more.