Amelia
The representation of the female body is the motif apparent throughout my work. Observation of our bodies to explore how they constrict us and prevent us in different ways. How an outsider may perceive us upon first glance versus what is there or apparent after a deeper look/ understanding. A motif explored through my work is layers. Whether it be layers of clothing, skin, or conceptual layers. The theme of my exposition is the relationship between figures and the environment they are placed in, how our bodies occupy space. An artist who influenced my work is Gustave Caillebotte and his ability to place figures in a space or surrounding. I observed his work when creating my balcony paintings. Another influence of my work is Lucien Freud due to the honesty and brutality in the strokes of his figures which are always grounded in an environment. My pieces Reflection and Red dreams aim to capture the same organic features and transparent honesty. The exploration commenced with my small format painting named Mme, I made after taking pictures in the streets of Paris. It captures a woman walking across a street and focuses on how she takes up space in her environment/ how she fits in. After this, I focused on the relationship between people and space and also looked at direct observations of the model.
My exhibition aims to represent the body while reflecting on the relationship with the environment it is placed in and the way we interact among one another. I worked primarily with acrylic, creating realist paintings. I made a ceramic sculpture of a torso after looking at Camille Claudel’s sculptures representing the imperfections and delicate aspects of the female body. I worked with charcoal, pastel, and pencil to create observational and life drawings. I created figures on silk sheets to represent the pureness and fragility of your existence. A theme represented in my exhibition is the contrast between the perception of an outside viewer and the reality of what is there. My piece entitled “Nue” explores the physicality of our bodies and how they allow us to move through observation. My initial concept was trying to convey how we use appearance in order to represent who we are or hide parts of ourselves.
I have decided to exhibit my work in a L shaped open space with a panel opposite. I chose to place my pieces in a simplistic linear display, in order to permit them to be observed separately as they all take up a certain space and focus. I placed my ceramic piece at the center corner in the light in order to capture the attention and eyes of viewers, bringing them into my exposition space. I aimed to create a visual balance in displaying my work by mixing my more colorful art with the more somber pieces, allowing viewers' eyes to focus individually on each representation. I placed my life drawing on the panel opposite to separate my observational pieces and to contrast both directions of my work. I chose to hang my silk figures from the ceiling to outline my space and create a visual and physical link in between both walls.
My intention was for my audience to observe my figures and faces in more depth and consider how what is apparent from the outside may not be relevant to what is felt inside. My aim was to share and express my intrigue towards the human body and its physicalities, and the ways in which the body can be observed and represented. In addition, how we interact between each other and in the environments we are placed in. How our bodies take up space. I will develop my artwork further by continuing on figures though exploring the body and how it can be observed and understood. How individuals take up space and interact in different environments.
Bare (January, 2022)
Ceramic and oxides.
40 x 19 x 62 cm
This piece is a ceramic sculpture of a female torso. I was inspired by Christie Brown’s work which involves fragmented bodies that are reconstructed. I casted the figure from a model and chose to represent imperfections or scars through cracks. This is contrasted on a smooth chest. I aimed to represent a bare chest as it is the natural layer and I wanted to display and achieve a sense of exposition and removal of layers.
Sereine (May, 2022)
Acrylic and collage on canvas
79 x 75cm
In this piece I chose to paint a figure on a large canvas. I was inspired by the prophetic work of William Blake and the techniques he used to tell a story. I worked with complementary colours in order to contrast skin and sky. Regarding the composition, I chose to place her to the right in order to leave space for the texture in the yellow sky. I wanted to create a sense of escape from reality through nature. I included movement in the sky using thin layers of transparent paper.
