Unlocking a convict history, beastly fairytales and the seductive Australian bush will be explored in Reckless Romantics – a new exhibition by Jo Darvall at Sagra Gallery from 18 June 2016.
Drawing from Grimm’s fairy tales, Picnic at Hanging Rock, the fires of Yarloop, the Gruffalo, and our convict history, this new body of work by Darvall is inspired by the romantic notion of the seductive beauty of the Australian bush, examining our deep fear of the untamed, and how quickly that romance can turn sour.
Jo Darvall creates work that reconnects people with their sensual nature, from her delicate water colours, to her kinetic installations and 2D paintings. Originally from Melbourne, Darvall studied at the Victorian College of the Arts, receiving a BA in Fine Art in 1998.
Darvall established Artists for Kids Culture Trust, an arts charity with fellow Roar Artists in the 90s ? the charity continues to this very day. She has worked with Master printer Kim Westcott, and had a studio at the Australian Print Workshop in Melbourne.
Since moving to Perth, Darvall has continued to build on her successful artistic practice, and was recently awarded the Mandjar Corporate Art award, and the City of Belmont Open Art Award. In addition to working from her studio in Fremantle, she is an arts educator at Fremantle Arts Centre.
Darvall’s artwork has begun to draw attention globally as it makes its way into major collections including the Holmes a Court, WA Water Corporation, WA Children’s Hospital and Credit Suisse collection in Australia and private collections in New York, South Africa, One Farrer Hotel Singapore, and private collections in Hong Kong.
Reckless Romantics
Sagra Art Gallery, 256 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Exhibition: 18 June – 30 July 2016
For more information, visit: www.jodarvall.com or www.sagra.com.au for details.
Image: Jo Darvall, watercolour #3, 2016