On the canvas

It wasn't until my second visit to Retrospect Galleries that I discovered the talents of two inspiring sisters - Christie and Kelly Turner.  They are identical twins based on the Gold Coast - specialising in fine art and graphic design.

What initially drew me to their work was their vivid use of colour.  I love the technique they have adopted to blend the colours together...it is so mesmerising!  Each figure is given movement and bought to life.  

  

These pieces would look fantastic in a minimalist space as a burst of colour but can also work in a vibrant and textured interior as the gradation of colour is so easy to compliment.

Another artist who uses colour so well is Cornelia Burless.  During my visit, Retrospect had her 'Treeland' canvas hanging and it was the first piece to immediately grab my attention when I walked into the back of the gallery.  The figures were so lifelike and tangible.  

Cornelia is now based in Australia but she did migrate from Germany in 1991.  She tells us in her bio that her parents have an extensive pop art collection back in Germany which has had a profound influence on her and has helped her find and define her work as a contemporary pop artist.

The other 'pop' standout for me was definately Rone.  He's a Melbourne street artist who draws inspiration from fashion culture and skateboarding.  He's stencils are larger than life and can be found from the streets to gallery walls.  He definately brings the city to life!

I love that pop culture is being explored more in different ways...using different mediums.  This style has always been a favourite of mine as it is so adaptable, eye-catching and it always tells a story - whether it's a personal one about the artist or the figure captured on the canvas.