Lethbridge Gallery’s annual group exhibition of ‘artists to watch’. Featured are artists Kay Kane, Michael Simms, Louise Thomas and Jacqueline Butterworth.
Jacqueline Butterworth
Jacqueline’s Gate-crashing Wildlife series is, in some ways, intended to be a playful subversion of the human impact on natural habitats, wherein her carefully constructed still lifes might be overtaken and picked through by a cheeky cocky or a couple of hungry chameleons. Lately in her practice Jacqueline has focused on creating oil paintings with a baroque look and feel; that also possess a touch of humour. She enjoys exploring narrative in her paintings, depicting fleeting, though pivotal moments that are a part of a larger story. Sometimes serious, sometimes lighthearted, Jacqueline has layered her paintings with personal motifs and traditional vanitas symbols in an attempt to translate the artist’s own inner world.
Michael Simms
In his latest body of work, Michael Simms explores the tropes of masculinity. This series of still life paintings depict figurines (such a toy soldiers, horses and action figures) that are often associated with machismo. Here, they’re depicted in an impenetrable, metallic coating with vivid and dramatic light to craft a unique tension within each painting. The pieces are a dynamic interplay between camp and satire, commenting on the impact these objects can have on social mores.
Kay Kane
Kay Kane has been a professional artist and teacher for 45 years, though her passion for drawing and painting has been lifelong. Kay in inspired by artworks of of depth, beauty and mystery from many different ages and cultures. She strives to achieve comparable depth through concentrated practice, aiming to make each work a genuine journey of discovery, seeking to uncover the complexities of true beauty in the world around us. Through this concentrated practice Kay aims to create drawings and paintings that ‘live’ and by that fact may move the viewer.
Louise Thomas
Still life painter Louise Thomas finds inspiration from simple and familiar objects. Louise had worked as a graphic designer, owning and managing a design studio for 24 years. During this time awards for corporate design were a yearly event. After retirement and living overseas for some time, she has expanded her interest in painting at the BIA, The National Art School and with regular workshops.
