9 – 28 July 2015
about the exhibition
Movement and the dynamics of the natural world are major features of Kerrie Leishman’s atmospheric paintings. Gestural strokes weave objects and shapes into the landscape in which they sit and the textural compositions often resonate with frenetic activity, conveying a sense of mystery and space. She is exploring her interest in how a sense of place – a particular landscape – develops and changes. Her brushstrokes radiate out and diffuse,yether works still have a sense of containment. These landscapes are inspired by the desire to communicate the power and vulnerability of the land as well as how people interact with their own environment. Kerrie says of her work: “As a painter I like to conjure up atmospheres of places I can’t quite put my finger on which in turn can create an element of intrigue. Often an image can appear within the paint, reminding me of a distant familiarity or feeling. I also believe that there is an urgent need to respect the earth and protect the land from violation through mining and destruction of our lands’ natural resources.”
Kerrie was born in Victoria and studied Fine Art at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. She has been exhibiting both in Australia and London since 1982 and has been involved in over thirty group exhibitions. In 1994 she won the highly commended award for her entry in the Blake Prize Exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. Kerrie’s work is represented in the collections of Artbank, Parliament House, the Bundanon Trust, Art Gallery of Ballarat and Hamilton Art Gallery.
