2 - 18 March 2023
about the exhibition
Catherine Woo’s work explores the interrelationship between humans and the natural environment with her delicate, detailed and abstract panels exploring similarities and connections between them. Using a combination of natural and man-made materials, along with weather-driven processes she creates stunning works that draw on details within the natural world. In this exhibition, Catherine investigates humanity’s shifting connection with our place in the universe and the way science is transforming our perception of it. In particular, these works contemplate our understanding of the atmosphere. As our understanding broadens, the artist wonders how our emotional, physical and spiritual sense of being is affected. Catherine says, “Our relationship with this phenomenon has existed for as long as we have gazed up into its blue dome… But our connection to it is shifting. Scientific research and space exploration, particularly in the last few decades, has profoundly changed our understanding of it…For the first time there is tangible proof that no separation exists between what we do and how it affects the ecosystem in which we live. This body of work considers the dynamic inter-relationship with this delicate membrane and how these new insights affect our sense of being in the world.” Her beautiful delicate paintings, reminiscent of constellations, orbs of light and sky, are both abstract and recognisable, drawing us into the vastness of her imagery and simultaneously, the intricacy of her materials.
Catherine Woo graduated with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tasmania in 2013, having previously studied at Sydney College of Fine Arts and the ANU School of Art. She has been exhibiting since 1997 across Australia as well as internationally in the United Kingdom, Korea and Hong Kong. Catherine has created major public art works for several high profile corporate clients such as the China World Trade Centre in Beijing and a 20-metre multi-panel façade for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Perth. In 2011, she was awarded a Highly Commended in both the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize and the Hobart City Art Prize. In 2021, she was a finalist in the Hadley’s Art Prize. Her work is in numerous collections including Artbank, Macquarie Bank, Visy and the RACV.
