Claude Jones – Taxonomy and Rhonda Dee – Second Nature 3 – 27 Feb 2010 at Artereal Gallery, Rozelle, NSW.
Both of these artists make work which addresses issues of what it is to be human in unique and sensitive ways.
The surreal sculptures, and meticulous fine-lined drawings and collages of Claude Jones expose a vision of a Frankenstein-like mingling of species and highlight man’s double standards in the way animals are categorized and treated in her solo exhibition, ‘Taxonomy’.
Distressing as this subject is, the artist cleverly renders the works in the way of storybook illustrations. The delicacy of drawing, beautiful soft colours and child-like fairytale guise of these works potently enhances the grim impact and the reality of man’s perplexing duplicity.
Claude was recently selected for an ArtStart grant. The ArtStart program provides financial assistance to recent creative arts graduates who are committed to establishing a career as a professional artist.
Rhonda Dee in ‘Second Nature’ approaches the body as a site of transformation. She views it as a continual work in progress; a constantly changing entity in a state of flux. Her art celebrates the in-between stages of morphism and change.
She is concerned to not only depict the outward evidence on the body as we age and move through life, but to look beyond the limits of this outer form at what is underneath. The result is an intriguing series of acrylic works on Mylar (plastic film) mounted on board. This unconventional technique enhances the idea of a protective transparent skin which reveals the internal mechanisms of the body.
Image: Claude Jones Monkey Business 2010 mixed media on paper 100 x 99.5 cm
Artereal Gallery represents emerging to established Australian and international contemporary artists accross a range of mediums from photography, digital media and installations to sound works, sculptire, painting and printmaking. The gallery strives to promote contemporary visual culture in Australia.
Artereal Gallery
747 Darling Street
Rozelle
NSW 2030
Australia
www.artereal.com.au
[email protected]