Antonia Perricone-Mrljak
Guided by colour, form and movement, Sydney-based Antonia Perricone-Mrljak’s abstract artwork is honest, raw and direct – her craft serving as a catalyst for change and personal growth.
Words & Photography: Hande Renshaw
Antonia Perricone-Mrljak in her Sydney studio. Photo: Hande Renshaw
In Between You and I, by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak, for her upcoming show at Nanda\Hobbs gallery later this year. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Antonia Perricone-Mrljak's passion for abstract art and expressionism was ignited from a young age. Photo: Hande Renshaw
For Sydney-based artist Antonia Perricone-Mrljak, one of her earliest memories of delving into abstract art was an act of rebellion and defiance.
‘My earliest experience was in second class at school, I was a very quiet and timid child. I clearly remember being praised for a drawing that I had made by the principal who often scowled me – I disliked her acknowledgement, so as a demonstration of defiance I painted over the drawing. That was my first experience of abstract expressionism,’ shares Antonia.
Coming from a passionate and strong-willed Sicilian family, memories of family life feed into her expressive artworks. ‘I was raised in a family that idolised labour – later in life when I had matured, I decided to work against that philosophy by utilising education as a means for change. Learning to practice art was a means of change for me.’
Antonia’s artwork has moved through a passionate art practice, featured in beautiful homes, consulting with design teams and in numerous solo exhibitions – her passion for her craft is unwavering. ‘Painting has allowed me the creative means to change the path my life was on and break from the institutions of traditions. I can support myself and my family by doing what I love and sharing my passion with the art world.’
Antonia’s work is raw, honest and direct, there is harmony in her expansive paintings, which she creates through the layering of colour and form. ‘Abstract art deeply responds to who I am as a person and the experiences I’ve had in my life. I love the immediacy that an indelible mark or gesture can have on the canvas – abstract expressionism is equally not for the faint of heart.’
Her latest body of work, which is part of her next solo exhibition, Femare Lutto (Stop, Mourning) at Nanda\Hobbs gallery later this year, sees an even freer style in her artwork. ‘There is a much more loose intention in this body of work, which I’m really excited about. There’s more risk the way these pieces were made, which is equally exciting and terrifying, but I think it's paid off,’ says Antonia.
The artwork in the show is a delicate but positive interplay between mourning and life, and stillness. ‘It captures the essence of Sicilian culture and tradition in that space, through the medium of painting,’ she explains.
At this stage, Antonia is working on developing more than 20 works for the upcoming show, which is set to include paintings, drawings, and also some new ‘surprise’ work. ‘It's a much greater range of works than I'm used to, but I'm always trying to improve as an artist,’ she shares.
She adds, ‘This show is a big highlight for me, it was the culmination of a lot of planning and work so I’m extraordinary excited to see it come together. I'm also excited to start work on whatever comes next.’
‘There is a much more loose intention in this body of work, which I’m excited about. There’s more risk the way these pieces were made, which is equally exciting and terrifying but I think it's paid off.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Photo: Hande Renshaw
Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘At this stage I'm developing more than 20 works for upcoming show: paintings , drawings, and also some new surprise work. It's a much greater range of works than I'm used to, but I'm always trying to improve as an artist.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
“Painting has allowed me the creative means to change the path my life was on and break from the institutions of traditions. I can support myself and my family by doing what I love and sharing my passion with the art world.”
‘Abstract art deeply responds to who I am as a person and the experiences I’ve had in my life. I love the immediacy that an indelible mark or gesture can have on the canvas – abstract expressionism is equally not for the faint of heart.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw
Photo: Hande Renshaw
In Between You and I by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak, for her upcoming show at Nanda\Hobbs gallery later this year. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘This show is a big highlight for me, it was the culmination of a lot of planning and work so I’m extraordinary excited to see it come together. I'm also excited to start work on whatever comes next.’ Photo: Hande Renshaw