Sheena Mathieson-
Title : My Way to the Port of Spain
Medium: Monotype pochoir printmaking
Price : AUD 300
National Graphic
1953
Volume CIII
Number One
About the artwork:
A 1953 photo of cars clogging Frederick Street; the main street of the Port of Spain; the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. Traffic goes one way; a woman cyclist the other. The distant tower marks the Port’s lighthouse.
Mirroring the main angles in this photo from nearly 70 years ago, I have created a colourful monotype featuring a stylised Caribbean dress from the 50’s; a striking type of ball gown; perhaps a wedding dress? Celebrating the often worn colours of the Carribbean and African and Indian cultures now living in this far away place; plus the power and beauty of women there and everywhere.
This work is printed on 220gsm Fabriano Rosapina paper measuring 50 x 70 cm. It is poster-like, vibrant, and completely unique.
In this work I am taking a holiday away from my home country of Australia to somewhere else; somewhere I have never been but somewhere I can learn more about.
About Sheena:
My artwork explores the world around us through colour, shape and, where possible, the use of preloved surfaces and materials. I create paintings, prints, drawings, collages, objets d’art and wearable art pieces. Recurrent themes include shape, colour, the human and natural form and spirit, and our tenuous relationship with the environment.
Utilising a limited palette of blues, reds, yellows (and sometimes white) to produce the full colour spectrum, my paintings and prints can be atmospheric, and at other times vibrant.
In 2020 and 2021 I have focused largely on the production of prints using a large press purchased in 2020; experimenting with a range of monotype techniques; playing and making discoveries. The results are super colourful, expressive and striking. Simple, decorative and uniquely vibrant.
A monotype is a one-of-a-kind print that exists in its own ‘unique state’. Monotypes are prized because of their unique qualities. I love creating monotypes – the surprise element as they are lifted; the WOW factor.