Kate’s Atelier: an interior world ~ 7th August – 29th August

Kate says “The ‘Interior’ represents place, as it is an expression of personal values, experiences and the ‘sacred’ objects of its creator. My interiors emanate from the personal spaces of family, friends and other places of importance to me. They reflect the spirit created by the everyday juxtaposition of objects and patterns which go into the making up of people’s lives, and the need to create their own ‘nest’ in our world”.

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 also other domestic delights, striking up immediate relationships, preserving memories of their cultural origins and functions.

The artist has painted variants of savvy interior views with differing colouristic effects, exploring colour, line and space. Often graphic, bold, and always colourful – it’s the perfect trend in the making.

Also a landscape painter, Kate says “The natural Australian landscape offers so much for me to express in my work. The interaction of light and shade, the restorative nature of water, the linear rhythms created by the structure of the trees, the quiet vibrations of the earth and the powerful stillness of rock formations all play a part in the unique Australian landscape that I find so compelling. This love of painting both interior and exterior spaces has its rewards in these delightful interior paintings, accomplishing a collaborative fusion of fabulous rooms throwing open windows to reveal the enchanting exterior.

Our special southern hemisphere Australian light renders rejuvenation, warmth and hope. In Kate’s paintings the interior and exterior intertwine. The way the light percolates through windows and shutters; its ability to trigger associations and bring back memories, allowed Kate to embark on a series of dialogues with light: playing interior light against exterior light. She juxtaposes the transient light of the outside and the permanent light of the interior lighting.

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. The patterned-tiled floors and colourful decoratively, often arabesque-patterned wall-paper are present in many of these works, as are the intimate dressing tables, embellished mirrors, opened and closed French windows, and verandas. The window and opened-door views are in fact was one of the artist’s favourite themes, allowing her to link internal and external space into a continuum structured by patterns and modulated light.

“Throughout my professional life, I have been dedicated to artistic exploration and education of all kinds and to the development of creative communities. Through connecting with people and place, I learn more about my own art practice, which paints the sounds, rhythms and vibrations of life – something that I am passionate about”.

Kate Nielsen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting from the National Art School graduating in 2005 and has continued her art practice ever since. She has had group and solo exhibitions across Sydney. She has twice been selected as a finalist for the Mosman art prize, she has been a finalist in the Hawkesbury and Hornsby art prizes and has also won the ‘Emerging artist’ award in the Hornsby art prize 2019.