We Look for Light
Graduate exhibition, Tasmanian School of Art, 2010
Like theatre, these paintings offer shallow spaces and flat props that make no claims at being real. They are neither real rooms, or houses, or environments; neither inside or outside; and yet they work as enterable spaces, meaningful spaces; spaces that through imagination can echo and translate reality.
This body of work explores the temporal, broken and dependent nature of human life, but with an optimism and playfulness.
I paint houses and shelters to speak about physical existence or dwelling. I paint animals to signify human emotions and tendencies. I reference the stage because on a stage universal things about human nature can be told through individual stories.
Jo Chew, October 2010