Exhibitions

Every spring, I am reminded of the influence that this nature-focused floral season continues to have on the art world. The vibrant blossoms of flowers have long provided artists with inspiration, with many dedicating their careers to producing still life, botanical studies, contemporary printmaking and ceramics. There’s a timeless sense of joy, hope, or even serenity that paintings of flowers can evoke. Florescence calls on twelve artists, one flower at a time, to examine fabulous blooms in spring – depicted by still life, floral gardens, decorative interiors and selected ceramic pieces. These works of art also shine a light on the role and importance of plants and flowers in everyday life, celebrating the rich tradition of floral art in Australia.

Every spring, I am reminded of the influence that this nature-focused floral season continues to have on the art world. The vibrant blossoms of flowers have long provided artists with inspiration, with many dedicating their careers to producing still life, botanical studies, contemporary printmaking and ceramics.

There’s a timeless sense of joy, hope, or even serenity that paintings of flowers can evoke. Florescence calls on twelve artists, one flower at a time, to examine fabulous blooms in spring – depicted by still life, floral gardens, decorative interiors and selected ceramic pieces. These works of art also shine a light on the role and importance of plants and flowers in everyday life, celebrating the rich tradition of floral art in Australia.

Kate’s interiors evoke the relaxed and comforting atmosphere of contemporary living – and aptly, now, deeply embedded in cultural visions of human happiness. Large windows have been thrown open to reveal gum trees, fruit trees and gardens of the sunny backyard. Within the interior, Kate explores a range of rich colours and decorative patterns around everyday objects, souvenirs from travels, gifts from family and friends, and other domestic delights. As a master of intense decoration and expressive use of colour, Kate’s work has gravitated to the beautiful and often floral – a celebration of bright and appealing colours and placement.

Being in the landscape is like being in love. I am drawn to its power, glory and terror, in the hope that I can hold it forever, but it won’t be captured. It’s a wild thing. This is what I try to relive in my paintings; the exhilaration of uncertainty and surprise, the freedom of the unknown”. Rachel paints the vastness and intimacy of her beloved Blue Mountains; dramatic cliffs and simplistic plains – wherever there exists an energy, some rhythm, a breeze, a storm, some inviting movement. The interplay of active skies and static forms, and the surfaces that dance in between create a tension that Rachel likes to play with.

Kate’s interiors evoke the relaxed and comforting atmosphere of contemporary living – and aptly, now, deeply embedded in cultural visions of human happiness. Large windows have been thrown open to reveal gum trees, fruit trees and gardens of the sunny backyard. Within the interior, Kate explores a range of rich colours and decorative patterns around everyday objects, souvenirs from travels, gifts from family and friends, and other domestic delights. As a master of intense decoration and expressive use of colour, Kate’s work has gravitated to the beautiful and often floral – a celebration of bright and appealing colours and placement.

South Australian artist Lise Temple and Queensland artist Clare Purser unite in an exhibition of recent contemporary paintings. Both artists are interested in creating paintings that are evocative and intuitive and express an emotive reaction to the landscape. The textures, colours and patterns of nature constantly influence their art making practice.

Both artists, create a range of paintings in oil that are semi-abstract in nature, and their landscapes are made in response to local broad vistas and translucent light – representations of a desire and intention to constantly experiment with, and broaden, technique.