Anna
My exhibition explores the themes of decay, transformation and change through texture and natural subject matter. I have mainly used painting and mixed media, sometimes with unconventional materials such as sand and plaster to introduce texture, whether it be implied or real. The latter adds 3D elements to my otherwise 2D dominated works. My work includes the contrast of both abstract and figurative elements which led me on a journey that has transformed me as an artist.
I began looking at natural, organic subjects that decay, and also how environments or objects can be overgrown, in my initial pieces Local Area, Magnify and Opposites. They also incorporate the contrast of man-made versus the natural. Spread was a turning point for me as my first large-scale, abstract piece. It also examines the idea of overgrowth and decay through the inspiration of barnacles on crab cages, which Clifford Still’s abstract painterly style became inspiration for. In my later pieces, I introduce the motif of snakes as a symbol for transformation. This was also inspired by my interest in ancient cultures, more specifically the Aztec relics I saw in Mexico and their depictions of snakes using natural materials, for example stone carvings. I was able to work on implied textures through a variety of different acrylic painting techniques, such as palette knives, impasto techniques and scratching and printing with the paint. I also continued my use of mixed materials, and experimented with using fabric, thread and layering elements, oscillating back to a more abstract approach inspired by Anselm Kiefer in making parts look more weathered. The texture of the unpainted plywood boards and sand emphasised the earthy feel by using materials that come directly from nature. In these pieces, the snakes also relate to the concept of movement due to their curving sinuous shapes.
My exhibition is located along a linear wall with a shallow alcove which is opposite to a set of display boards arranged in a triangular shape. The audience will enter and see Spread, my large scale abstract piece, and Statue, which create a repetition of the tall, thin format pieces and become focal points of my show. I have grouped my abstract pieces together in the alcove, and they are framed on either side by two snakes which have warm lights above them that highlight and bring out their earth toned colours, allowing them to stand apart from other pieces. I put my earlier pieces together looking at the theme of decay and the contrast of nature versus urban. My other snake, Slither, is placed with my gun piece, Aim, on a single display board both with natural subject matter and green colour scheme. The layout allows the audience to walk around and see different aspects of my work. Additionally, it encourages more attentive viewers to see the progress in my work.
My intention is for the audience to have an impression of potential movement in the case of my snake pieces through their winding curves, and earlier through the growth and spreading in my nature-inspired abstract pieces. Upon closer inspection, I want the viewer to see the details and complexity in the texture, for example the depth of hues and tones alongside smaller shapes from palette knife strokes or mixed media markings in the paint. They should come away with an appreciation of the balance of the composition of the whole exhibition. Overall, the pieces give an earthy, natural feel through the muted colours and texture of the materials. All of these elements contribute to the impact the audience will perceive about natural decay and deterioration of different subjects.
Statue (June 2023)
Ink and graphite on tyvek paper
78 x 32 cm
Statue is inspired by an Ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite, and links to the theme of transformation through the age of the statue and the plants that are curling around it which refer to decay caused by plant life. This is reinforced visually by the unfinished nature of the piece, which can even be seen through the ink as I chose not to rub out the sketch. Renaissance sketches by artists like Raphael influenced me through the loose lines and form, which give the effect of being less manmade.
Succumb (March 2024)
Acrylic paint, charcoal on wood
47 x 69 cm
This piece is closely linked to Hang as it follows the same themes and idea, except involves implied texture from Slither and Spread. Alongside Hang, it connects the theme of decay and death to the theme of transformation through the snake skeleton. It takes inspiration from both Richard Deacon and Clifford Still through the curved, twisting form and brightly-coloured, abstract implied texture respectively.
