I am so proud and honoured to be included in this exhibition!!
This opportunity came about from a prize I received in the Art Renewal Center Salon 2021, an international exhibition that receives over 4000 entries. Each year REHS Contemporary Gallery selects a number of artists from the finalist pool of the ARC Salon (over 1900 in 2021) to contribute works for an exhibition at their prestigious gallery, located at 5 East 57th Street, New York.
The concept behind this year’s exhibition ‘INSIGHT’ sets out to explore the viewer’s connection with an artwork. The curator, Lance Rehs, says - “In nearly all the works featured in the exhibit, the subject is making eye contact with their audience. It not only creates a personal and intimate moment, but it forces us to give deeper consideration for who or what we are observing… it is in those instances we truly develop a relationship with the artist and their muse”
All five international artists being exhibited, express themselves in different styles and mediums and I’m very proud to have my work hang with such talent!
26th MAY - 24th JUNE 2022
5 East 57th Street, 8th Floor
New York City
Artist Statement
I am intrigued by memories from my childhood – how fleeting yet important each can be. The emotions that accompany these remembering’s bring valuable insights if we are willing to delve into the shadows of our emotional landscape. My painting, over time, has become a cherished method of unearthing the wisdom to be found through soulful and emotional discoveries.
Portraiture, and all its challenges, fascinates me and my youngest daughter Bec has become my muse in this personal exploration, a symbol of myself.
The ‘Reminisce’ series began when Bec was navigating the complexity of early adulthood. Unexpectedly, my own fragile memories of these years clamoured for my attention.
Bec, the protagonist of these paintings, is a young woman owning her sexuality and strength. The intimate, often sensual, poses invite attention, and yet at the same time the camouflage of the sunglasses seems to protect her identity, even her innocence. The wallpaper backgrounds, suggestive of 70’s and 80’s styling, helped me to fuse the eras, past and present, and introduce a sense of nostalgia and context.
The rendering of these works is my endeavour to heal, nurture, and release a very tumultuous time of my life, transforming my recollections into something beautiful, confident and feminine.
