Roslyn Kean is a nationally and internationally recognised printmaker renown for her exquisite, spiritually charged woodblock prints.
In this exhibition, for the first time we sense a continuum in Kean’s art from the earliest obsessive and intricate colour theory paintings, then some of the London screenprints, through to the most recent floating seas of suspended geometric edges that in a strange manner echo some of the shapes explored in some of her earliest colour theory paintings.
There is a prevailing serenity and inner peace in her art – a contemplative silence that speaks of the experience of Japan, but one that is uniquely realised within an Australian setting and the Australian palette. When you are absorbed by the mystique of Kean’s world, you leave the conflicted reality of material things and are invited to dissolve into a spiritual realm that lies between realities.
Reflecting on what has happened to her art along the way, Kean observed: “From a very early age I always felt the space between the trees, between the laid stones is what really matters. As a child playing in the harsh Australian bush, I made my secret paths and placed stones in well-constructed patterns just because I could, and I knew only the natural elements would disturb them. In particular, the not knowing what would happen was the best part. Waiting for nature to rearrange for me”.
Along the Way, offers a unique opportunity to experience five decades of the remarkable career of artist Roslyn Kean who grew up in Arcadia and lives in Glenorie.
At Grace Cossington Smith Gallery 21 June – 22 July 2023.
Opening and events: www.gcsgallery.com.au
The exhibition will be officially opened by Akky van Ogtrop, President Print Council of Australia, Saturday 24 June, 2 to 4pm
Join Sasha Grishin AM, art historian, art critic and curator, in conversation with Rhonda Davis, Senior Curator Macquarie University Art Gallery on Saturday 1 July 2.30pm. Book on GCS Gallery website.
