exhibitions
Jade Pilgrim
'All wrapped up in a world of art'
19 May - 6 June
'All wrapped up in a world of art', is a most appropriate title for this exhibition from Maitland artist Jade Pilgrim. The detail of her work exemplifies just that. As you ponder the creative process of her work, it’s easy to slip into her world and imagine the long hours and sore, tired eyes that only artists will endure to punch out the next piece.
Her ‘Self Portrait' spells that out clearly.
As you look at the individual works, Pilgrim’s whimsical side and at times irreverent side becomes apparent. She is not afraid to make a statement with her work and her comment on social behaviour, ‘Your social skills are like arson’, describes perfectly the diatribe that occurs at times over the social media platforms.
But Pilgrims most poignant works are those that impress the most. Her tribute to David Bowie and the Paris Terrorist attacks are moving and detailed.
Her work ‘Bowie’ is a tribute to one of Bowie's most beloved alter egos Ziggy Stardust and the lyrics of some of his songs are penned throughout the work.
It’s her work ‘Pairs’ however, I found the most moving of all. The emotional significance that the attacks had on the world is reflected in this piece. With the Eifel Tower incorporated in the peace symbol of the sixties and seventies and the heavy metal rock symbol signifying the band that was playing, you then recognise the tears of a world that was shocked and dismayed.
All in all this is a great body of work and should not be missed.
Julie Carpenters compassion for the orphans of Kampot is evident in her work. The eleven pieces on show send us on a mixed emotional journey. Carpenters depiction of the Buddhist monks shows the juxtaposing of a 'chosen' solitary life to one forced upon the orphans through circumstance. In ‘Meditation at Ankor Wat’ the lone monk looks content and secure in his meditation and the metaphoric door to enlightenment lies just beyond. The calm soft gaze from the boy monk in ‘At Prayer’ is in stark contrast to the young boy in ‘Orphans’. Where one is dedicated to a philosophy that explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world, the other stands with an appearance that contradicts his age, hovering protectively behind his sister, with a look that screams ‘don’t try anything’.
The well-crafted ‘Woman with Vegetables’ shows a sincerity in Carpenters work that reaches out and grabs the viewer in a way that gives one the understanding that “such is life” does not mean a negative.
But in my opinion the most moving piece in Carpenters show is the ‘Sibling Love’. The age of the orphans and the fear and vulnerability she gives to the subject bought me to tears. If this work doesn’t have you reaching for a tissue or opening the purse strings than you’re a tougher bird than I.
It is a moving and technically pleasing exhibition. I’m proud to exhibit Julie Carpenters emotional work.
Julie Carpenter
'Cambodian Exhibition'
For the Orphans of Kampot
19 May - 6 June
The first thing that strikes you in the exhibition is Nicola Gibb's use of texture. Her layering of acrylic paint to add depth to the work provides an unusual talking point. Her works, inspired by her spiritual conversations with God, can have significant meaning to us all, religious and non alike.
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‘Mercy’ a piece produced after her father’s death, is an outstanding piece that celebrates the unconditional love and mercy God has for everyone. As with most art the viewer takes from the work that which resonates. Her ‘Reconciliation’ series speaks of the bridge between man and God and is an important metaphor to Gibb in her ministry. But it’s her use of mixed media in ‘Breakthrough’ that gives her work a more universal appeal. The imagery in this work speaks of adversity and blockages that give way to peace and tranquility, a smooth sailing in the latter part of life. The dimensions of the areas in the work are important as well. Although adversity hits us all in some way, in the larger scheme of things the smooth always outweighs the rough.
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This work as Gibb says "are inspirations from God". Perhaps a God not all of us talk to but a spiritual conversation, with all of us, nonetheless.
A unique and exciting body of work, that collectors will appreciate.
Nicola Gibb
'Unlimited'
19 May - 6 June
Katerina Apale
'Believe'
An exhibition of Imaginary Worlds
19 May - 6 June
A walk into 'imaginary worlds' is indeed apt for this wonderful exhibition of Katerina Apale. Looking at the vibrant colours and surreal imagery one can’t help but giggle and think ‘what was she on’? It’s a classic example of painting the things that make you feel good and in turn, we feel good. This show by Apale is one of the most uplifting exhibitions I have seen in a long time. Her use of colour in directing your eye to spots of interest is superb. And with spots her use of the circular in ‘Parrots’ give the feeling of effervescence.
‘The Magic Forest’ appears just that. The Loris peering out from the foliage look like they are waiting for the viewer to pet them. It is a heartwarming piece.
Apale’s world is one of wonder and at times, as in life, it can stop with a thud.
‘Making Decisions’ had me coming back to earth with the anxious body language of the woman in the painting. There are difficult decisions we have to make, more than we would like, in life and Apale shows her vulnerable side with this painting.
My favourite piece in the collection would have to be 'Happy Bananas'. A self portrait of sorts, the title comes from the joy of the hairy backed banana eater stood atop the banana tree with his reward in hand.
This body of work by Katerina Apale demonstrates how much joy art can bring to the place. She is an accomplished fantasy weaver of the mind and her works will be collected for a long time to come.
