Catriona Pollard: Exhalation of the Trees
Mosman Art Gallery is pleased to present the work of Mosman artist Catriona Pollard from 22 September – 2 December 2018. The exhibition titled Exhalation of the Trees will be exhibited in the Gallery’s In Profile space which is dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists.
The exhibition will present Pollard’s unique sculptural work which uses foraged plant material and traditional basketry and assemblage techniques to showcase nature and the beauty it shares with us. She explores our connection and disconnection with nature by shape-shifting natural forms, from unnoticed branches, leaves and seedpods into shapes that celebrate the abundance of nature. Through the beauty and rawness of this new work, Pollard creates moments for people to view the natural world in a different way.
Her sculptural forms add a contemporary layer to the ancient art form of weaving, which is often dismissed as functional craft. Her work gives the viewer the opportunity to re-consider their assumptions about craft and its potential in art, forcing them to see beyond their concept of basketry. Pollard says: “The forms I weave tell stories relating to friends, family and experiences. They are about truly seeing the extraordinary in everyday moments. For me, it’s about being still, and letting the beauty surface.”
Pollard has had solo exhibitions at Sturt Craft and Design Centre, Sydney Road Gallery and Lane Cove Gallery, and has exhibited extensively in group exhibitions. She has been a finalist for many awards including Craft NSW’s Emerging Artist of the Year, Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize, North Sydney Art Prize and the Northern Beaches Art Prize. Her work is profiled across art and design media and is featured in galleries, design spaces and private collections.
Exhalation of the Trees, and accompanying basketry workshop, will be presented as part of Sydney Craft Week 2018. An initiative of the Australian Design Centre, this ten-day festival happening between 5-14 October, features a range of exhibitions, workshops, talks and open studios. The program speaks to our fundamental human urge to create, while also showcasing exceptional contemporary craft.
Public Program
Learn Sculptural Basketry with Catriona Pollard
Saturday 13 October 2018, 1-5pm
In this half-day workshop participants will learn the ancient basketry technique of Random Weaving, transforming ordinary natural found objects into something extraordinary.
Cost: $140. Bookings essential.
Catriona Pollard: Exhalation of the Trees
Where: Mosman Art Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman NSW 2088
On view: 22 September – 2 December 2018
Open: 7 days, 10am – 5pm (closed public holidays)
Ph: 02 9978 4178
Information: mosmanartgallery.org.au