Opening: Thursday 8 September, 6-8pm
Artist Talks: Saturday 8 October, 2pm
Poetry and craftsmanship in artist's new exhibition, two years in the making
locution n. 1. a particular form of expression; a phrase or expression. 2. a style of speech or verbal expression; phraseology. (from Latin locutio an utterance, from locui to speak)
Katherine Bowman's new work examines the way we imbue objects and artefacts with meaning. Through a series of small box like vessels, themes of containment, secrecy, talismanic power and personal mythology come together to create a collection of mysterious and quiet pieces that draw the viewer in like a small poem. Pulling inspiration from sources as diverse as Federico Garcia Lorca, Jean Baudrillard and Nick Cave, these intricately decorated boxes not only provide a secret space to carry one's true self but a shelter for the vulnerable heart and the spirit animus.
Spanish poet Lorca speaks of 'El Duende', an almost indefinable term to describe the sense of wonder and authentic feeling that comes with connecting with art. Bowman's gold and silversmithing and fine art practice has imbued this new work, two years in the making, with an air of poetry and extraordinary craftsmanship that invites the viewer to connect with the loved object.
Katherine Bowman completed a Master of Art in Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT University in 2001. Bowman's first solo exhibition entitled These are the things that hold me here (a house, a vessel, a shell, a ring) was exhibited at Craft Victoria in 2004. Since then Bowman has continued to exhibit in both mixed media as well as painting.
Photography by Lily Feng
