Exhibition: June 2020
Parnell Gallery, 263 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
In 1839, ‘The principles of harmony and contrast in colours: and their applications to the arts’ was written by Michel-Eugène Chevreul. It was an artistic milestone with the writing standing the test of time, and the theory still being taught in art schools until this day.
Chevreul was a chemist but his theory of ‘colour contrast perception’ was one of his greatest contributions. These teachings have influenced many artists, including myself.
However, the title of this show is not referencing the art practice itself, instead, it refers to the harmony and contrast we observe in every corner of existence.
We are born into the world in noise and triumph. Living is raw, messy and real. Everything is unknown, and that is the beauty of it all.
Life is full of rhythms and movement. Even in chaos, if we observe closely, we find an underlying harmony. There is a balance that exists in all of nature, and when we are deeply aware, we see all things are connected.
It is the wonderful way a bush fire can be beautiful, despite being so destructive. We cannot know a wave only by the crest; we must also know the trough, and the face as well. We must know one to know the other and see they are, in fact, one.
In these paintings I have combined that idea of harmony and contrast into the narrative. Incorporating the art practice of colour theory and also telling a story of element and emotion.
They are an open-ended narrative that invites the viewer to join me on a personal journey of exploration. In, essence the work is a springboard from which the viewer can dive, and explore with sensibility and individual interpretation.
Some of the artworks could be called tempestuous, some are tranquil, and others combine both. My aim is for them to be ‘emotional landscapes’ that incite curiosity.
This show is an ode to the harmony and contrast, and everything in between.
