Pittwater Life May 2023 Issue

Art Life
Art Life
Colours of the ‘spectrum’
EMOTIVE: Maria del Carmen’s exhibition
‘Bipolar’ isn’t just an interpretation
of mental health, but moreover
about conflict in all areas of life.
Northern Beaches artist Maria del
Carmen holds her second exhibition,
entitled ‘Bipolar’, at Mona Vale Creative
Space Gallery in May. She says it
celebrates the conflict between positive
and negative in our lives.
“This is a very introspective work,
mostly about how I deal with negative
emotions and use them in a positive
way,” said Maria. “I think a lot of
people relate to this.”
And even if this doesn’t immediately
sound like something that would resonate
with your life, you can’t help but be
touched by the emotion and beauty of
Maria’s work.
The artworks on display in Mona Vale
will be a mix of abstract paintings and
silhouettes, in what Maria describes as
“a dynamic dance where black and white
contrast in the composition with colour”.
And as Maria points out, Bipolar isn’t
just an interpretation of mental health,
but moreover about conflict in all areas
of life and the tension between light and
shade, Yin and Yang.
“It’s about how our mind simply navigates
between good and bad feelings,
coexisting in conflict,” she explains, “but
also the conflict in nature, in the ocean,
it’s just part of life. Different layers; one
layer that is negative and full of doubt,
but another that can often turn into
something positive.”
Originally from Chile, it was Maria’s
love of surfing and the ocean that saw her
settle on the Northern Beaches just over
seven years ago, and nature plays a big
part in her work. Her first exhibition held
at Brookvale’s La Creme Creative Space
was entitled ‘Healing Nature’.
“I always feel like the ocean influences
me,” said Maria “It’s my space.
Whenever I meditate, I try to feel as if
I am in the ocean. And when I’m not
working, I’m always at the beach or in
the ocean.
“It’s the safe space that keeps me
grounded.”
An intimate exhibition drawn from
personal experience, Maria’s art is
emotive and in terms of mental health
she does want to acknowledge and
celebrate the bravery of people who
silently battle with this duality.
“Every painting intends to express a
story’s individuality,” she explains, “bringing
richness to the artwork.”
Around 15 large pieces will be available
for sale as part of the exhibition, as well
as a mix of other smaller pieces in different
mediums. And perhaps even a story
that touches everyone. – Rob Pegley
*The exhibition takes place from Mon
15 May to Fri 29 May, between 9am and
5pm daily, at Mona Vale Creative Space
Gallery, 1 Park St, Mona Vale.
Ceramic ICON exhibition
An iconic exhibition exploring stories of Country from
late Aboriginal artist Kunmanara Carroll is exhibiting at
Manly Art Gallery & Museum until 4 June.
Ngaylu Nyanganyi Ngura Winki (I Can See All Those Places)
is part of the JamFactory ICON series, an annual solo exhibition
celebrating the achievements of South Australia’s most
influential artists working in craft-based media.
I Can See All Those Places celebrates this South Australian
Luritja/Pintupi/Pitjantjatjara artist, who worked at Ernabella
Arts at Pukatja in the APY Lands.
Masterful ceramics and paintings merge Carroll’s deep
knowledge of Country, with his intricate yet minimalist style.
The major subjects the artist returns to are mystical and
organic, drawn from nature, country and story.
MAG&M is one of just 12 galleries in Australia to host the
exhibition, having previously been shown at the National
Gallery of Australia.
*More info magam.com.au
46 MAY 2023
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