"Works by Tasmania based Artist Catherine Woo"
2004-10-11 until 2004-10-16
Christine Abrahams Gallery
Melbourne, VC, AU Australia

C.Woo's abstract compositions echo shapes and colors of the nature elements, in a way that a musical tune would. They deal with expressive patterns and light of the living universe. Their surfaces shine and radiate, transmitting energy which at times culminates into turbulence. Her interesting technique of transforming ordinary materials such as ferrous oxide, ash, stone and clay dust, mice and other minerals, through experiments results in abstract patterned flat surfaces. Those are backed on paper, lifted of the board and mounted on the canvas to be hanged on the wall. The end results are elegant decorative compositions.

The patterns are to a large degree achieved accidentally by letting the minerals react with each other naturally. However, there is an obvious ease and confidence, knowledge of material, acquired through years of controlled experimentation and clear feel for which emotions are going to be expressed. Patterns though appearing to be fragments of some bigger and greater being are rhythmical and well balanced within their own space. The exquisite compositions create sensation of gently floating above the wall just slightly touching the surface of the canvas.

By choice the artist has a limited control over the process. She merely facilitates the transformation. She doesn‚t necessarily depict the chosen object, more concentrating on recreating its emotional code of being. Colors are natural in a sense that they are not prefabricated, but developed by the materials used in the process, not dissimilar to the way items of pottery get transformed in the firing kiln.

- Ausra Larbey

IMAGE
CATHERINE WOO
Solaris, 2004
Mixed Media on Canvas
Diptych: each panel 183 x 121 cm

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Australia

Other Important Exhibitions in Australia