WALKING ON SHELLS

While keeping to her distinctive and bold style, this body of work sees the artist explore new directions in terms of subject matter and theme through works that are imbued with political meaning. Often using elements of satire, the works touch on climate change, land rights, women’s equality and the cost of living crisis. The title of the exhibition is a play on the phrase ‘walking on eggshells’ which speaks to a desire to voice something while feeling the need to be gentle or cautious. The title also refers to the artist’s frequent use of seashells as a subject matter and medium in her work. Shells are not only beautifully unique but they also hold the strength to withstand nature’s elements, and the artist looks to them as a reflection of her identity and her life.

- Written by Alex McFarland

‘Poolside #56 (Thieves and Bad Sharers)’

Poolside #55 (Testing the Water), 2024, 85 x 100cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

(Top) Ignorance is bliss, 2024, (Bottom) Self Portrait with Blemishes #2, 2024, both works approx. 10 x 8cm, acrylic on scallop shell

Poolside #60 (The Dive In), 2024, 145 x 70cm (multi panel), acrylic and gesso on canvas

Poolside #58, 2024, 70 x 60cm, acrylic, gesso and newspaper on canvas

The Boys Only BBQ, 2024, 40 x 50cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

Poolside #56 (Thieves and Bad Sharers), 2024, 100 x 85cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

Country Rebrand #1-6, 2024, all approx. 8.5 x 10cm, acrylic on scallop shells

Political Ice Cream Sign, 2024, 40 x 50cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

Poolside #61 (Sausage Fest), 2024, 85 x 70cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

Self-portrait in new glasses (my own biggest fan), 2023, miniature on Fantales wrapper, acrylic on Fantales wrapper

Walking on Shells, 2024, 60 x 70cm, acrylic, gesso and scallop shell on canvas

Poolside #57 (Hot Summer), 2024, 60 x 50cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

Poolside #59 (Too Many Oysters Pop the Pool), 2024, 60 x 50cm, acrylic and gesso on canvas

‘Walking on Shells’ was exhibited 30 April - 4 May, 2024 at No Vacancy Gallery, Melbourne