MINNA LEUNIG
CRISS-CROSSING
09.04.21 ~ 25.04.21
'Crisscrossing'.
to form a pattern of intersecting lines or paths on (a place).
to move or travel around (a place) by going back and forth repeatedly
Pattern, movement and intersecting paths play a big part in this body of work. Paths crossing. I'm interested in form and how shapes fit together as a harmonious and balanced pattern - reminiscent, expressive and symbolic of finely balanced ecosystems - the way in which specific plants and animals fit together in a harmonious way.
What makes this body of work distinctive visually, is the larger scale and increased texture. Always working to thicken the paint, to create an earthy and tactile look to my paintings - reflective of actual earth and rock and textures found within nature.
As usual, this body of work is a dedication to and poetic celebration of our Australian wildlife at a time when the environment needs our care and protection the most. I like to represent wildlife in a positive light with a focus on aesthetic beauty - because there IS so much beauty in this world. However - at the same time, I don't want this to be just another exhibition of pretty pictures. I want people to look at my work, feel reminded of what is worth protecting, and to consider how each and every one of us might make our own unique contributions - to prioritise sustainability in our daily lives, to apply pressure to large corporations, council and government, and to listen to and uplift Indigenous voices.
This exhibition takes place on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri people. Sovereignty has never been ceded. Deepest respects paid to elders - past, present and emerging.
- Minna Leunig
