VISUAL ARTS REVIEW:Self.X.Posure

  

Now showing at Guildford Lane Gallery in Melbourne is Self.X.Posure, the current exhibition of Brisbane based abstract artist Natalie Taylor.

Natalie Taylor’s career as a painter has been a long and fascinating journey. Although she started creating works over thirty years ago it wasn’t until after raising a family that she decided to turn professional and gain formal qualifications, completing a Diploma of Art through the Brisbane Institute of Art in 1993.

This is actually her first large scale solo exhibition in seven years - so it is an extremely rare opportunity to experience this wonderfully imaginative and insightful artist on such a grand scale.

This exhibition cleverly titled Self.X.Posure explores the artist’s fascination with the symbol 'X' and takes us on a powerful journey through the many states and emotions which this symbol manifest itself as.

From the intimacy of a kiss, affirmation on a ballot paper, an incorrect answer on a test paper, or even to signify the existence of buried treasure. The 'X' lives amongst us in a multitude of different ways and as such may be interpreted differently through the various environments it is placed in.

This is an extremely well conceived and original concept for an abstract artist, and Natalie fully explores the various incarnations through her passionate use and application of colour. Much of her work tackles politically fueled context and using the 'X' in different ways to convey the narrative gives an extra dimension to her already highly involved works.

The exhibition can be grouped into three main sectors. Her Quiet Works - as she fondly calls them with their expansive subtle nuances of white, convey a highly involved and emotional message of despair and destruction.

For this series Natalie was awarded the 2003 Redland Art award and she acknowledges Contemporary minimalist Robert Hunter as one of her major influences for this style.

Her Loud works on the other hand, using violent, yet passionate shades of red could not be more dissimilar. I was struck by the amazingly energy that these images contain. Radiating Rothko like their strategically placed X’s taking life as both the question and the answer.

Diverse yet politically charged subjects run throughout these works; even touching upon such topics as the validity of increasing taxation on Alco-pops – titled Passion pop XXX. The X is of course in reference to the age of consent in relation to drinking alcohol.

Her latest works, titled No Xscape I –III are an interesting throw back to the late 60’s New York Pop Art scene. Compositionally these works are standouts for me and also are evidence - should you need anymore, that Natalie has an inherent understanding of colour.

I whole heartily recommend you pay a visit to Guildford Lane Gallery and see this exhibition first hand.
There is an underlying originality in Natalie’s work which sets her apart from many of her contemporary’s and as previously mentioned it is such an infrequent event to see her works first hand.

Also as an extra bonus, you can experience the recently opened Guildford Lane Gallery in Melbourne. Located within a century old furniture factory - this multi level Contemporary art space is a much needed addition to the city.

If quality of art or initial reaction by the public is anything to go by - Guildford Lane Gallery will prove to be a highly successful facility.

Self.X.Posure is currently showing at Guildford Lane Gallery, Melbourne, until November 30th

Self.X.Posure
Natalie Taylor
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2 - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30
Guildford Lane Gallery – Melbourne
20 – 24 Guildford Lane, Melbourne
For more information visit www.guildfordlanegallery.org or phone 0422 442 363.