Pulling shapes: group exhibition
25 August – 11 September 2022

Too often abstraction is likened to some tacit conversation between medium and artist, as though the artist is merely responding in the moment to some independent force (cue the collective eye-roll). While there is an element of truth to this analogy, it suggests a level of unpredictability that does nothing to acknowledge the experience, or the control and understanding an artist possesses over their medium – not to mention the level of planning or forethought that might be inherent in their process.

The process is more predictable, more controlled. However, it’s the level of control that varies from practice to practice. At the risk of replacing one trite analogy for another, abstraction is a dance – it’s just a question of how tightly choreographed it is. Whether cutting it up at a wedding or performing on stage, we all have our own style and lexicon of moves to draw from, it’s just the planning that changes.

Pulling Shapes is an exhibition featuring a selection of artists whose practices are rooted in abstraction. Curated by Chloe Caday and Jacqui Burnes, this survey of young Australian abstract artists showcases styles ranging from ‘hard-line’ to improvisational process.

Featured artists: Emmanuelle McGlade, Georgia Cavanagh, Jessie Beard, Leah Ann Early, Messiah Padilla and Sara Deane.

Opening event: Friday 26 August, 6 – 9pm

Image: Three, Emanuelle McGlade, 2022, soft pastel on paper, framed, 25x30cm.