Art

Caroline Walls Captures Unseen Everyday Moments In Her Personal New Show, ‘MotherLover’

The work of visual artist Caroline Walls explores the complexity of female identity and the distinction between private and the public self—themes never more personal than in her new show, ‘MotherLover’

Feeling a need to ‘humanise’ her practice, Caroline’s work in ‘MotherLover’ is a shift from her previously signature stripped and essential line works, instead using oil paint to capture more intimate stories. The resulting 19 paintings depict quiet, freeze frame moments in her own relationships as a partner and mother, igniting a sense of beauty and power in the everyday.

The exhibition officially opens tonight at Jerico Contemporary.

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

Caroline Walls’ new exhibition MotherLover at Sydney’s Jerico Contemporary is her most personal collection to date. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

Caroline holds It Took Time To Understand, 2022. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

The show is a significant departure from the abstract, gestural works Caroline has exhibited in the past—instead using oil paint and drawing on figuration, portraiture and still life to capture small moments in time. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

Works in MotherLover have been created in Caroline’s new Collingwood studio. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

‘I love oil paint for its ability to be both rich in texture and tone, allowing me to play further with opacity, translucent layering and tonality,’ says Caroline. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

”There is a newfound freedom when I paint and I’m enjoying the process of learning all of the intricacies of the medium again,’ says Caroline of oil painting. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

Flesh, 2022. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

It Took Time To Understand, 2022. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

Held From Behind, 2022. Photo – Annika Kafcaloudis

Writer
Amelia Barnes
13th of October 2022

Caroline Walls’ new exhibition ‘MotherLover’ at Sydney’s Jerico Contemporary is her most personal collection to date, exploring the ordinariness and extraordinariness of everyday experiences. 

The show is a significant departure from the abstract, gestural works Caroline has exhibited in the past—instead using oil paint and drawing on figuration, portraiture and still life to capture small moments in time.

‘I was interested in capturing those quiet, unseen moments in my marriage and motherhood that are often overlooked or forgotten about, but are actually imbued with tenderness and beauty,’ says the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based artist. 

Works in ‘MotherLover’ began as photographs of Caroline’s wife before being indirectly translated onto canvas. ‘I was less interested in achieving a sense of realism within the finished pieces; instead I wanted to imbue the works with the emotions that were felt in the moments the photographs were taken,’ explains Caroline. 

The paintings’ intimate nature created with prominent, sheer brushstrokes invites the viewer to move up close to canvas and experience the works in greater detail.

While specific to her relationship, Caroline hopes the works in ‘MotherLover’ capture the universal experience and emotions associated with connection. 

‘I hope this body of work allows the viewer to take the time to reflect on their own everyday life and relationships within it—taking stock of the beauty in fleeting moments when given the chance to reflect.’

‘MotherLover’ by Caroline Walls

Thursday October 13-Saturday November 5 2022
Opening event: Thursday October 13, 6pm-8pm
In conversation event with Caroline Walls and Karina Dias Pires: Saturday November 5, 2pm-4pm

Jerico Contemporary
94 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo NSW

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