31 March - 18 April 2005
about the exhibition
In Helen’s work, the perception and experience of space is a pivotal theme, explored on a number of levels and through a variety of media. Schematic expressions of colour and pattern set up a tension between perceived and constructed space, and bring into question the role that traditional notions of linear perspective have on the picture plane. The works in this exhibition, Helen’s fourth with Beaver Galleries, derive from two primary sources: the landscape and the body. Helen explains: “The Pilbara region with its intensity of light and heat and the unfamiliarity of its terrain presented me with the paradoxical requirements of conveying the vastness of space and focusing in on its distinguishing features. The idea of a representative, emblematic body being projected onto the random patterns of the heavens or onto the features of a landscape is one that crosses ages and cultures.” Helen’s work explores the possibility of linking different cultural perceptions through the development of cross-cultural symbols. Layering materials, patterns and geometry, Helen’s imagery is built up from a diverse range of visual resources, including the landscape, art historical references, architecture and textiles. These works reflect and filter life experiences, and take pleasure in chance connections. They balance an intellectual rigour with the simple delight of making; placing participation and process at the centre of understanding.
A graduate of the Alexander Mackie College and the National Art School in Sydney, Helen Geier also has post-graduate qualifications from St Martin’s School of Art, London, and a Master of Arts from RMIT in Melbourne. She lectured at the Canberra School of Art for 14 years but now concentrates on her studio practice full-time. Highly successful exhibitions in France, Singapore, Vienna, New Zealand and India have added to a growing international profile. In August 2001, Canberra Museum and Gallery mounted a major solo exhibition of her work which included paintings and works on paper from the last thirty years of her career. Helen’s work is represented in many collections including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Parliament House Art Collection, Holmes á Court Collection (WA), Artbank, Lasalle Singapore Institute of the Arts Collection, Australian National University Collection and National Library of Australia.
