Amelia Johnson Contemporary is pleased to introduce the fascinating work of two emerging artists, Wenmin Li and Zoe MacDonell, both currently based in Australia.
‘Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist’s metaphysical value-judgments. An artist recreates those aspects which represent his fundamental views of nature.’ Marcel Proust
The work of Wenmin Li and Zoe MacDonell is concerned with the dimensions of time and space and with the desire to recreate an alternate universe composed of selected elements and often overlooked details. Both artists currently live and work in Australia having studied Fine Art at the University of New South Wales. Since their graduation a few years ago each artist has been making waves in the art world, winning awards and grants and gathering momentum as young artists to watch. We are delighted to be presenting this exhibition which has been designed both to introduce the works of these young and talented artists to a wider audience as well as to provide an entry level opportunity for young art collectors.
Wenmen Li was born in Gansu, China. In 2002 she moved to Sydney, completing a Master of Arts Degree at the University of New South Wales. She describes her work as “journeys” because she views her life as a linear journey made up of many points, in different times and space, facing diverse scenes, causing various emotions, and creating distinct relationships with the world.
Her large works on paper depict time as a linear sequence, conveying her emotions, thoughts and experiences. The sequence can be traced in different directions, forward or back, allowing the viewer the freedom to explore not only the process of how the work was produced but to also go on a journey of their own through the objects depicted. Since moving to Australia Li has had the opportunity to redefine her cultural background. New experiences have also enriched her understanding of the world and life and a new journey is unfolding in front of her. She is currently studying for a PHD in Fine Arts and works as a tutor at the College of Fine Arts, UNSW.
Zoe MacDonell is influenced by traditional Japanese textiles and the imagery and composition of American Pop Art. She also extracts aspects from the material environment including natural objects such as found botanical specimens, and man made debris that include pieces of patterned plastic, rusty metal and old paper. These are collected from the landscape to create a visual interpretation of fantasy and reality.
“My work explores the idea that each person experiences their own reality based on perspective and imagination. Our responses lie not within the events or objects themselves, but in our minds. I seek to challenge the viewers understanding of reality. The work aims to reflect the transitory nature of creation, exploring in essence the impermanence of time and space.”
Her work is created through sketching, photocopying and photography. She utilises various printing processes, painting, drawing and collage to layer and work the surface of textiles, linen, paper and canvas. Her work generally includes printing processes on silks, calicos and other fabrics, using textiles as a reference to skin. For the artist it is like a membrane, a protective coating which, during the working process, provides a sense of comfort and safety and when the work is displayed, translates into a removed skin, stretched and exposed.
Both artists create work that is visually arresting and thought provoking in an exhibition that goes some way to addressing the wealth of new talent emerging from the Australasian region.
