Exhibition Details
atelier.org.nzYou are warmly invited to the opening preview of A Spacious Place, by David James from 5:30pm on Friday 19 January 2024.
In this body of work, David James explores the sense of interiority in response to the human form.
Interiority relates to the inner world - an internal space of reflection, formation, and potential, that, despite external conditions, forms a personal experience of an inner spaciousness. Thomas Merton describes it this way, “our real journey is interior; it is a matter of growth, deepening, and an ever-greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts.”
With this series of new drawings, oil paintings, and monotype prints, the body acts as a metaphor of protection. Here, like the casing of a seed, the body creates the external support for the potential of a life within. Yet, in time, the casing must give way for that seed of ‘something-new’ to form. Within these works, the tension between the unseen-inner and material worlds are considered together - simultaneously, the inside and outside of things.
The works reference a classical figurative tradition and a contemporary approach to working with the figure. The tension of sensitivity and control, disrupted through expressive techniques, tight cropping, and colour, create an emotive approach of engagement with the work, offering reflection and alternative narratives to emerge.
All work is for sale, and the artist will be in attendance. For private viewings, please contact David at the gallery.
We look forward to seeing you at the opening preview and celebrating with light refreshments and wine from Flaxmore Vineyards and Stoke NPA from McCashin’s brewery!
You are warmly invited to the opening preview of A Spacious Place, by David James from 5:30pm on Friday 19 January 2024.
In this body of work, David James explores the sense of interiority in response to the human form.
Interiority relates to the inner world - an internal space of reflection, formation, and potential, that, despite external conditions, forms a personal experience of an inner spaciousness. Thomas Merton describes it this way, “our real journey is interior; it is a matter of growth, deepening, and an ever-greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts.”
With this series of new drawings, oil paintings, and monotype prints, the body acts as a metaphor of protection. Here, like the casing of a seed, the body creates the external support for the potential of a life within. Yet, in time, the casing must give way for that seed of ‘something-new’ to form. Within these works, the tension between the unseen-inner and material worlds are considered together - simultaneously, the inside and outside of things.
The works reference a classical figurative tradition and a contemporary approach to working with the figure. The tension of sensitivity and control, disrupted through expressive techniques, tight cropping, and colour, create an emotive approach of engagement with the work, offering reflection and alternative narratives to emerge.
All work is for sale, and the artist will be in attendance. For private viewings, please contact David at the gallery.
We look forward to seeing you at the opening preview and celebrating with light refreshments and wine from Flaxmore Vineyards and Stoke NPA from McCashin’s brewery!