Fleur's Christmas Message for 2012

A - M Gallery - Taking Stock

Not really my day for technology, lost the 'word' software and the video of this show from my computer.  Doesn't matter I have photo's to share and the experience of a fantastic diverse show.

A-M Gallery is one to keep an eye on, it's in a great location being Wilson Street, Newtown in the heart of the inner west of Sydney and having 2 Directors who are young and enthusiastic about Art and their Artist's.

Love being introduced to new Artist's work and love seeing the familiar faces and their work again after an absence.  I pretty much loved everything in this show and that includes the cheese and wine.

'Our Safe Home' ink pen on Arches paper by Justin Cooper was intense and beautiful,  but wished I could have gotten closer to it as I had to fight with the reflection from the window.  'Desp' and 'Cliff Face 111' both painted recycled cardboard by Caroline Duffy are intriguing and fantastic at the same time,  a wonderful way to recycle cardboard boxes, just loved them.  'Endless' acrylic paint by Georgina Pollard is one of those works that just impales you, stops you in your tracks and makes you just stand there and stare at it's beauty trying to decipher the woven paint. Quite mesmerizing.

 Beautiful giant 'Bush Catherdral' willow charcoal on paper by Petrea Fellows.  Really loved 'Sidewise' oil on canvas by Inga Dalymple, it's structure is compelling and perfectly balanced, also her 'Cactus in a Brown Bag' watercolour on paper was somehow comforting after a long day.

Two fabulous photographs by two very talented photographers, 'Untitled from All the matter in the universe is from the heart of a dying star (concrete)' Lambda print on wood by Kate Beckingham, it's like a cactus flower that only flowers once a year, stunningly beautiful, something to be remembered. 'Extremist Activity (Mount) Lambda print by Cigdem Aydemir throws humorous caution to the wind, love it..!

'Street Corner' Unique bronze by Cathy Weiszmann, her work is amazing, her story telling in a heavy substance is certainly unique.  'Pachamama' linen, cotton, metallic yarn and wool by Charlotte Haywood is a wonderful little piece, so sorry I don't have a decent photo of it to show it off to the world.

This show may now be over but it's Artist's will go on and make new work and wow more audiences either in their studio's or in other shows in other galleries. 

Fleur MacDonald

5th December - 22nd December 2012
www.a-mgallery.com

Robin Gibson Gallery - Clipboard Show

Had not been to the Robin Gibson Gallery in a while and was very interested to see how this show looked and was kinda surprised how great it did. A novel idea especially around Christmas as offering any great idea for presents is well worth a go.

The Cash Brown ‘Muzzle’ works were one of my favourites, I love the brown paper bag and her ability to show us something a little different is always welcome. A little annoyed I missed out on the Zoe Tweedale ‘Polar Bear’ so jealous of it’s new owner, I first saw it on Facebook and I guess that’s the one that dragged me to the Gallery in the first place.

So many to love and cherish, the Addison Marshall ‘Thanks Adam’ gave me a giggle.

And that’s what it’s all about, a bit of humour and lots of talent and the art of giving a gift of Art.

Fleur MacDonald

8th December - 22nd December 2012
http://robingibson.net

Flinders Street Gallery - Halinka Orszulok

Post show Review, think it’s ok to be late with this, it is after all one of those show’s that will stay with you for a very long time and in my case, life got in the way. These paintings were and are beautiful, expertly executed in an almost spooky style. One thing I need to say is that I’m not a fan of painting from photographs, especially landscapes but I think in this case it’s ok and works wonders, I don’t think it’s very safe for a young gorgeous woman to be standing on the corner of a dark street painting her view, best to be done in the studio.

I have two favourites, the first one is ‘Magical Thinking’ oil on canvas, this painting has the viewer standing in the thick darkness of the forest looking towards a well lit car park, there is a seat of some sort jutting out in the middle of the darkness parallel with the shadow of the trees, it has a definite magical spookiness about it and I find it quite appealing and strangely comforting.

There is wispy silhouettes of leaves and grass blades which seem to dance and frolic in the white light casting lengthy shadows. Is someone hiding in the forest..?

My second favourite is ‘Creek’ oil on canvas, it too is strangely comforting in it’s dark and eerie kind of way, love how Halinka can paint the grass and make it so we just want to lie down on and roll around. Lots of shadows and distant lights all add to it’s serenity and beauty.

Gorgeous and a sheer delight.

Fleur MacDonald

20th November - 8th December 2012
www.flindersstreetgallery.com