Elisa Jane Carmichael: Present Surroundings

Katina Davidson remarks on the exhibition’s significance:

“Present Surroundings ventures into the past with the help of Elisa’s matrilineal ancestors. While it acknowledges the long journey of restoring cultural heritage and knowledge, it also carves its own path through innovative techniques and materials, and sets its sights on the future of her beloved island home.”

Additionally, Onespace Gallery Director, John Stafford, comments:

“Elisa Jane Carmichael’s most recent works segue so nicely between abstraction and representation – substance and illusion. As metaphor, they also say something about the solidity and continuity of cultural practice – the authentic work and skills and practice of previous generations are floating in history, intact, but not always with clear definition or recall. Such has been the substantial impact of colonisation – it has damaged clear memory and lineage but this is now starting to emerge more strongly through its reclamation by Elisa’s regenerative practice.”