(Work by Jennifer
Morrison)
London based artist, Jennifer Morrison,
returns to Durban with a series of abstract paintings that are primarily
concerned with colour, scale, texture and form. Her exhibition Trajectory opens at the KZNSA Gallery tonight
(June 13).
Although she has lived in London for over
two decades, the colours of South Africa have never left her and remain a
central influence in her work. She is interested in weighing accident against
deliberation, precision and control against playfulness and abandon.
Whether it is a plant or clouds or smudges
on a wall, these can all serve as inspiration for Morrison and act as a starting
point for a painting.
These large works explore the medium of oil
paint and seek to rely on the intuition of the artist in the making of the
works and on the person who views them. The experience of making the works is
based on unconscious filters, values, past experience and knowledge.
These paintings raise the issue of the
viewer’s expectation of paintings, the need of some to see it perform as a
narrative space within which the image and meaning can unfold. Finding meaning
is not a primary concern for the artist. The visual impact and experience is
paramount. Her paintings are devoid of content or narrative which precludes any
single meaning or view.
Morrison wants the viewing of her paintings
to be a rich experiential encounter. For the artist, painting is about
exploring the invented object in front of her. The formal qualities of abstract
painting are significant not in themselves but as part of a work’s expressive
message.
Morrison is interested in the literalness
of painting, of comprehending a work in a literal and experiential sense. She
sees it as a kind of honesty. It is also about having faith in not knowing, in
being confounded, in doubt. Abstract art accepts the permanent uncertainties
and pluralities that come with its territory. With painting, as with other
things, you’re always losing possibilities by the choices you make. Morrison
feels this to be a very exciting thing.
Trajectory opens tonight (June 13) at 17h30 for 18h00 and will run until July
2. The KZNSA Gallery
is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031
277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
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