Florid, co-curated with Clare McFarlane showed at fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne, from 25 March - 22 April 2014, and at Turner Galleries Perth from 4 July - 2 August 2014
Florid showcased recent works by eight Western Australian mid-career artists who reference histories of decoration in order to explore subjectivity, identity, colonialism and/or nationalism.
The word 'florid' has both corporeal and aesthetic connotations as both describing the physical state of being flushed, and as a somewhat derogatory term for elaborate or excessively intricate detail. The curators particularly invited the participating artists to reference its antiquated meaning of 'being covered in flowers'. The artists were encouraged to explore the notion of excess, to create works in which the ornamental becomes too elaborate, where the intricate crosses over into something oppressive or sinister.
Shown above are works by Clare McFarlane, Olga Cironis, Susan Flavell and Eva Fernandez.
Collectively, the participating artists draw upon influences including Rococo porcelain, Victorian china patterning, Arts and Crafts Movement design, and the decorative arts during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibition works spanned painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, drawing and ceramics.
Works by Clare McFarlane (background) and Susan Flavell (foreground)
Works by Thea Costantino (background) and Susan Flavell (foreground)
Works by Andrew Nicholls, Clare McFarlane and Susan Flavell
Works by Eva Fernandez, Thea Costantino, Ryan Nazzari and Susan Flavell
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Eva Fernandez and Thea Costantino
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Ryan Nazzari, Andrew Nicholls, Olga Cironis, Susan Flavell and Clare McFarlane
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Andrew Nicholls
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Ryan Nazzari
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Olga Cironis
Photograph by Eva Fernandez
Works by Mel Dare
Photograph by Eva Fernandez