By Belinda Hermawan for Seesaw Magazine
See the original article here
STALA CONTEMPORARY’s collection of artistic responses to pandemic-induced isolation is a must-see, writes Belinda Hermawan; not just a snapshot but a call to persevere.
As Perth continues to emerge from COVID-19 isolation, STALA CONTEMPORARY has reopened with a group exhibition that is truly of the moment: looking back at what was, what is and what will now be. Featuring paintings and sculptures created in confinement, the exhibition is a testament to the resilience of creative practice in times of upheaval.
The interrogation of our “new normal” is a central theme, both in recognising what is new to us and what becomes new through the lens of lockdown. The surreal nature of the onset of this pandemic is captured beautifully in Shana James’ etchings, with Alice falling into the darkness of rabbit hole, and a tea party asking us What will you allow and what will you deny? Embracing the monochrome, Mardi Crocker accords a quiet reverence to bottles of hand sanitiser in three of her paintings, with a fourth depicting three hands touching – an act of connection now almost taboo. It’s impossible not to be moved by these representations of our collective adjustment and shifting perspectives.
‘Silence’ by Britt Mikkelsen
Shark Boat’ by Liam Dee
Refrain. Reflect. Reset (Art in the Time of Corona)
STALA CONTEMPORARY
12 Cleaver St, West Perth
Wed - Fri, 10am-4pm & Sat, 10am-2pm, Jul 8 - Aug 7
https://www.stalacontemporary.com.au/
0417 184 638

