SPACE 1 : Tracie MacVean
Exhibition dates. 9 - 20 Feb, 2022
Opening night. Thu 10 Feb 2022, 6:00 - 8.30pm.
This exhibition expresses the wonder and awe felt when connecting to the cosmos, understanding its creation and humanity’s interaction with it. I'm not just talking about the stars and galaxies but everything from the smallest particle to the greatest majesties of nature. These works blend concepts of nature and fantasy together to create a sense of the ‘whole’ and that we are all interconnected; created by the same matter that created our earth, solar system and universe.
My work highlights the environmental issues that are a result of human expansion and how this could be referred to as the microcosm-macrocosm analogy. This analogy refers to a historical view which proposes a structural similarity between a life form (the microcosm) and the cosmos as a whole (the macrocosm). In contemporary usage the term is employed to refer to any smaller system that is representative of a larger one. For example, our relationship with nature and the Earth itself could represent a planets relationship within a solar system and how it can easily shift the balance of the surrounding stellar objects, be it minor and inconsequential or destructive.
Through the development of these works I have closely examined the systematic demolition of the environment and the loss of cultural connection to the very planet itself. I juxtapose the cuteness of native animals (small birds, young possums etc) with imagery that directly threatens the species livelihood. Some of these animals are widely recognised Australian animals while others are lesser-known species local to my home region of North East Victoria.
Exhibition view
Interview with artist: Tracie Macvean
1. Who are you inspired by?
I've found myself drawing less inspiration directly from other painters to keep my work original and unique, but more from photographers and artists in forms I don't practise in. Some photographers include Simon Cherriman, Greg Wyncoll, Keiran Palmer and Astro photographers such as Peter Jenkins and Miguel Claro.
2. What has inspired you lately?
Deep space! I subscribe to a few astronomy channels on YouTube, one of my favourite channels is by Anton Petrov. Learning about the cosmos fills me with a sense of wonder.
I am also an environmentalist and love learning about environmental conservation, our native species and humanities relationship with the environment. In a more sombre tone, seeing the destruction of natural habitat and experiencing climate change motivates me to create artwork with a message. Either showing the destruction and its consequences or painting threatened species, not just to educate the viewer but also myself.
3. Do you have any advice for emerging artists?
Keep a good photo or scan of your finished artworks!
If you are using reference material, make sure you contact the photographer. This doesn't just save you from copyright, but you'll be surprised how generous some people are, I've made some friends and important contacts that way.
Take advantage of the 'emerging artist' title and apply for grants and art prizes that have a section specifically for emerging artists.Lastly, don't be too worried about trying to find your 'style'. Just explore and try everything you can think of.
Q & Photography : Isabella Imperatore, BLACKCAT GALLERY