Written by Montana O’Neill
Artist Jenny Watson is an expert at transporting people into her world - something I learned on a recent visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney). The exhibition is curated to take audiences through the artist's career, beginning in the 1970’s. From the pastel colours on the walls, to Watson’s unique style of painting; the works evoke a childlike innocence - a theme that develops throughout the exhibition.
Artworks presented stem from major influences, including memories from childhood and stories shared - life in Melbourne, the St Kilda punk music scene, horses and travel. A treasure trove of memories, that exhibits as a personal narrative of identity. Watson’s featuring of mixed media collages of textiles, found objects, horsehair, text and imagery strengthens this feeling of narrative.
Watson has an ability to capture the viewer and draw them into the stories being portrayed. In many cases, there is a sense of vulnerability, connecting the viewer through an experience they can resonate with. Offering a playfully creative style, she incorporates scribbled words across the canvas of her art.
“I made a beautiful cake, heart shaped, for a party”
“We had a few drinks and were mucking around with a Singstar set up.”
“I found it difficult to believe that the youngest girl had not heard of Spandau Ballet.”
This art practice seamlessly conveys Watson’s thoughts, creating artistic purity through her works. Allowing the subconscious to flow through her work, naturally and unedited.
I personally found the Jenny Watson: Fabric of Fantasy exhibition to be engrossing and inspirational. Showing at the MCA, until October 2nd 2017.
