Paula MacArthur
www.paula-macarthur.com
@paulamacarthur_
Statement:
The current focus of Paula MacArthur’s work is crystals. These are explorations of colour and light, a contemporary response to Dutch 17th century Pronkstilleven painting - ostentatious still life. Solitary, precious stones are captured in the spotlight, displayed as icons which lure us in and quietly invite us to investigate the multifaceted associations we bring to these treasures.
Paula selects the specimens which elicit a powerful emotional response in her; objects which surprise and excite. Through the slow, meditative process of painting, these valuable objects reveal themselves to her and she begins to delve into her subconscious and understand why they resonate with her both personally and more universally touching upon ideas of materialism, capitalism, feminism and the environment, and broader themes which concern us all, love, beauty and the ephemerality of life. These singular objects encapsulate our desire to accumulate treasures as tokens of love, displays of wealth or talismans for health alongside the knowledge of our own fragility and ultimate demise.
www.paula-macarthur.com
@paulamacarthur_
Statement:
The current focus of Paula MacArthur’s work is crystals. These are explorations of colour and light, a contemporary response to Dutch 17th century Pronkstilleven painting - ostentatious still life. Solitary, precious stones are captured in the spotlight, displayed as icons which lure us in and quietly invite us to investigate the multifaceted associations we bring to these treasures.
Paula selects the specimens which elicit a powerful emotional response in her; objects which surprise and excite. Through the slow, meditative process of painting, these valuable objects reveal themselves to her and she begins to delve into her subconscious and understand why they resonate with her both personally and more universally touching upon ideas of materialism, capitalism, feminism and the environment, and broader themes which concern us all, love, beauty and the ephemerality of life. These singular objects encapsulate our desire to accumulate treasures as tokens of love, displays of wealth or talismans for health alongside the knowledge of our own fragility and ultimate demise.
Maybe if I fall asleep
120 x 120cm
Oil on linen
2021
120 x 120cm
Oil on linen
2021