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8 july - 25 july 2009

opening night drinks wednesday 8 july 6-8pm

to be opened by Helen Brack

Sophie Skarbek and Myrna McRae

Another Take

Acknowledging the work of Queenie Aikenhead

This is a joint exhibition by two long-standing painting  collaborators and friends, Sophie Skarbek and Myrna McRae. Sophie and Myrna's partnership began when they met in Helen Brack's  CAE art class in 1985. They studied with Helen for many years and since then have sought her  advice and guidance.

The current exhibition also acknowledges the work of the late  Queenie  Aikenhead, a close friend of Myrna. Myrna and Queenie first discussed the idea of a "paired" exhibition   nearly six years ago. Working from the same types of plants, they  produced pairs of paintings exploring different interpretations of forms and colours, reinforcing the diversity of individual perceptions. Queenie completed several paintings in this series before she sadly passed away in 2004.

Recently Myrna decided to continue with the project, in memory of her friendship with Queenie. The works by Queenie in this exhibition are distinguished by their  precision, verisimilitude and conformity with the conventions of the  genre of botanical art. Basing her compositions on the same types of plant specimens, Myrna  in contrast presents bold, more abstract visions of botanical origin.

Sophie has to some extent continued with the botanical theme using  her own approach and perspective. She has, however, also included in this exhibition a diversity of topics  and styles,  ranging from figurative to more abstract art, that reflect her influences, interests and inspirations. Sophie is passionate about the beauty of the human form, and has included works depicting the female body. Studying with the late Ross Davis in Australia and Spain has imbued  her with a love of colour and movement, evident in her current work. Sophie's inspiration also comes by osmosis, from having lived in and  travelled to many exotic countries, as well as from  exploring the colours and hues of Australia.

Please note the works by Queenie Aikenhead in this exhibition are not for sale.

Marita Kelly

Folded Editions

This exhibition brings together printed collages and wearable art works to explore ideas of folding, collection, layering and chance. Kelly's most recent series of large and small-scale printed collages are composed of textured and printed papers, printing inks, oil paint, stencils and linos on paper. The process involves the preparation of multiple plates with stencils and lino in a range of coloured inks, layered into elegantly abstract designs. Layering is a key characteristic of the exhibition as a whole, and is highlighted through her use of ghost prints. Bringing the viewer in and out of the work and reading from top to bottom are key compositional tactics, not unlike those of  Japanese calligraphy.

The shapes, colours and patterns of the prints are echoed in the composition of Kelly's wearable art works. Inspired by traditional Japanese folding techniques such as those used in origami and Japanese obi, these highly original fashion objects are  crafted from exquisite vintage fabrics, found objects, buttons and buckles. They are designed to be folded, looped and tied by the wearer into scarves, cravats or neck-ties.

Marita Kelly is a Melbourne-based artist with a background in print-making and fashion. This is her fifth solo exhibition.