Plate 169

(194) Carolyn O’Neill – Over The Curve Of The World

About this Artwork
Price: $120 AUD

After printing out my designated page, and figuring out my response I decided to discect it and place the pieces on the final page. The individual cut up and torn remnants from this page were then integrated and collaged it into the final piece. The bronze gold patina eludes to the bygone era of this illustrated page. Bold scribbles of black charcoal sticks contrasted with white charcoal pencil thread through and solidify this piece.
Whilst the scribbles, scratches and tears reinforce the sense of an aged document. Glimpses of visual history reveal some of the underlying text and imagery. Whilst the title of the piece suggests curves and round forms, the composition predominantly consists of angular lines and shapes. This piece also reflects my preferred genre which is abstract expressionism and the mid century modernist aesthetic.

About Carolyn:

Paying homage to the early abstract expressionist painters such as De Kooning, Pollock, Motherwell and Kline is essential as their work initially inspired me in this direction. Amongst others they were the pioneers of this avant garde movement paving the way for artists such as myself and have become a continual influence in my work.

Each piece begins with stream of conscious mark making which soon build up into layers. The paint glides onto the canvas when combined with medium. Both opacity and transparency weave through, interact and intersect.

Passages of paint transition form one mark to the next. Whilst scratches and scrapings indent the surface revealing the layers beneath. In some areas the paint is given space to drip and meld into form.

Despite these initial marks and layers, most pieces are dismantled and rebuilt. This editing process of addition and subtraction strengthens it’s construction and serves to unify the work.

Link to Carolyn’s Art Aviso profile HERE

Carolyn was supplied with the following page from Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia:

Newnes’ Pictorial Encyclopedia
Volume 9
On things that interest you and me -Geography
Over the curve of the world