Brisbane-based internationally acclaimed Australian artist and marine conservationist Jane James, will open the doors to her private gallery from Friday 21 June, for a two week solo exhibition of her most recent series of work – ‘Seven-Tenths’ featuring paintings, slumped glass and cold cast bronze pieces.
Beneath the leafy canopy of the inner-city Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove, a unique Queenslander-style home will play host to the intimate exhibition of underwater art that will stay with you well after your visit.
Researched meticulously over five years, primarily around Lady Elliot Island, the paintings and sculptures provide abstract views of the reef. Taken from various underwater locations across the southern Reef, they depict the gutters and bommies reflected against the subsurface. The sky is visible above, illustrating the link between the terrestrial world and this fragile and unique part of earth’s ecology.
Based around the semi-circular view of the sky visible when looking upward underwater called Snell’s window, the techniques in these pieces have been developed specifically to capture the underwater environment. The technique produces a heavily textured encaustic-like effect, inspired by the layered glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany. They fully utilise the properties of modern polymers, and were developed whilst in residency at the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation in New York.
These works have been produced as part of an ongoing project to visually document the Great Barrier Reef.
The exhibition is grounded in a sense of urgency to save what is still reasonably untouched by bleaching, pollution and climate effects. The planet is seven/tenths ocean. This work is a call to action, the small choices we all make, every day, affect this ecosystem on our doorstep.
Marine art has been Jane James’s area of study since 1995, and rope has been a motif since her earliest work. Her work often examines our effect on the environment, and has a strong art/science focus.
The exhibition will be open daily at Exeter Gallery, 40 Exeter Street, Ashgrove, between 10am – 4pm until July 5th. Guided tours are available, and no appointment is necessary. Viewing outside these hours can be arranged by calling 0438311530.
Read the stories behind the series
Opening Night
Friday 21 June 2019
7pm-10pm
Gallery Open Hours
Saturday 22 June – Friday 5 July
10am-4pm
About Jane James
Jane currently lives and works in Brisbane, Australia. She received her degree in fine art from the university of Tasmania. Jane has a lifelong involvement with the sea and marine conservation. She is an exhibiting member of the Australian Society of Marine Artists, and travels teaching marine art. With work held in private collections internationally, Jane has won many awards for her work both in Australia and overseas. Please see www.janejames.com.au for more information.
www.janejames.com.au
Image: ‘Overhand turn – 24°06’51.67″S 152°43’4.59″E’. 2019, Acrylic on linen 710 x 910mm
