It is a rare ocassion when I would voluntarily go for guided tours of art galleries but boy, was I glad I did at the Hilarie Mais exhibition in TarraWarra Museum of Art. The curator did such a good job explaining what abstract art was all about, and gave such a good explanation of Hilarie Mais' works in the gallery that I enjoyed the full hour of the tour. I gained an understanding of the methodology of her works, and the meaning behind abstract art style form.
Hilarie Mais is an abstract artist based in Sydney. From what I can see, her works in this exhibition revolves mainly around lattices. What was really fascinating about the work was the methodology behind the art. For example, she will count up to a certain number (for example 7) places on the lattice before making a dot and by doing so, creates a pattern on the 'canvas'. I assume the number holds some meaning for her, but this was not explained.
She is very meticulous with her each of her pieces. She sources the raw wood from for example Japan where they are known for their appreciation of raw timber, she leaves no spot in the lattice unfinished, even painting the sides and back of the lattice.
One of the most interesting pieces in the exhibition is the one below, where there is not only a pattern but the artist has painted spots of the 'canvas' with different bright colours so that the viewer can see the reflection of the colour, but not really. It's like you can not be sure it's there, or if your eyes are playing tricks.
Hilarie Mais' exhibition is at the TarraWarra Museum of Art from 24 Feb to 29 Apr 2018.
http://www.twma.com.au/exhibition/hilarie-mais/
No comments:
Post a Comment