This series of works continues Jane Guthleben’s fascination with c17th Dutch still life paintings and how to reimagine them in an Australian context. Through extravagant arrangements, small studies of birds and flowers and groupings of ornaments, Guthleben aims to build on Dutch traditions with contemporary Antipodean subject matter. Concerns about threats to Australia’s flora and fauna through habitat loss and climate change underpin her interest in the project, and recent media reports have inspired particular studies and larger pieces in the series. Her painting style is a tension between realism and expression through the texture, gesture and colour of the painted mark.
Guthleben loves the allegory of Dutch paintings, conveyed through the symbolism of certain flowers, the skull, an upended glass or humble food items. While Australian flora and fauna don’t signal virtues in the European tradition, our recognition of them takes on new meaning as the environment comes under increasing pressure.
Jane Guthleben has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of New South Wales. She has been a finalist in numerous prizes including recently the Portia Geach, Mosman Art Prize, Archibald Prize Salon des Refuses and the Ravenswood Art Prize. This is her second solo show with Edwina Corlette Gallery.
Image: Banksia Arrangement And A Still Life2020
oil on Belgian linen
102 x 102 cm
