Upcoming Exhibition
Jessie Bleakley
27th October 2024 - 26th January 2025
Pink Cliffs
This series draws inspiration from the remarkable Pink Cliffs near Heathcote, Victoria—an unusual rock formation created through the erosion of sandstone and clay deposits. The distinctive pink hue of the cliffs is a result of a mining technique known as ‘sluicing,’ which, during the gold rush of the 1850s and 1860s, washed away large quantities of earth to expose gold deposits. This process, while devastating to the landscape, inadvertently revealed a strikingly beautiful terrain.
The pink and red tones of the exposed sandstone and clay create an almost otherworldly appearance, with alternating layers forming rugged outcrops, sharp ridges, and gentle, undulating slopes. In my series, I aim to capture the captivating essence of this natural phenomenon through abstract representation.
My artworks emphasize the vibrant color palette of the cliffs, using rich yellows, oranges, and golds to convey a sense of energy and movement. Purples and reds introduce depth and contrast, while eucalyptus-inspired greens offer a refreshing balance and a connection to the Australian landscape. Each artwork is created using a combination of acrylic paint with hand-painted and printed collage papers, creating a textured and complex interplay of abstract shapes and lines.
This series reflects on the paradox of the Pink Cliffs: a mining technique that irreversibly altered the natural environment, yet revealed a landscape of unique and inherent beauty. This contradiction—of destruction and revelation—provides a compelling exploration of the interplay between human impact and natural splendor.
Fields
The Fields series captures the exhilaration of long road trips through the Australian countryside, where predominantly green and brown landscapes are occasionally enlivened by bursts of vivid colour from wildflowers or canola fields. Against the backdrop of the bright blue Australian sky and the ever-changing cloud formations, these vibrant hues stand out as moments of unexpected joy.
Through these five artworks, my goal is to transport you to your own journeys and evoke the vibrancy of the landscape. I hope to rekindle the sense of wonder that accompanies these colourful interruptions and encourage you to seek out and appreciate these fleeting moments of beauty on your next drive.
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