Jessica Douglas
Unbounded
Ogle Gallery
1st - 28th April
Opening celebration: 4pm Sunday 2nd April
Jessica’s practice investigates the complexity of human relationships which are inherently intertwined and interconnected, to acknowledge that we rely on each other for our physical and psychological well being and survival. She draws on the metaphor of the cell walls semi-permeable membrane to evoke the concept of separation and transmission simultaneously; conveying ideas of transference, seepage and flow between distinct separate entities. Application of paint brushed on in thin wash overlapping layers illustrate ideas of complex interconnections, proximity and exchange. Under and over layers are highlighted equally. Lines / edges act as barriers and bridges halting flow while at other times creating connecting channels. Similarly, colour oscillates between oppositional strident complementary combinations, and closely related colours sitting alongside each other to create vivid and hovering compositional colour plays.
Her practice inhabits a transitional space that evokes an inner world revealing rational and irrational truths. Each painting emerges from the canvas through a meditative and intuitive decision making process, with mistakes and process visible, to create works that open up and evolve before the eye.
Jessica has recently had work in The National Contemporary Art Award 2022, The Aotearoa art fair in 21 and 22, and solo exhibition ‘Cells’ at Northart in 2021. She has a Masters of Fine Arts from Auckland University and has received the Sawtell-Turner Painting Prize, the Bickerton-Widdowson Trust Memorial Scholarship, University of Canterbury, and the Joe Raynes Scholarship, University of Auckland. Her work is held in several New Zealand collections.
