At This Moment by Indivi Sutton
Indivi Sutton’s exhibition At This Moment captures the sensory experience of place and memory, each artwork a depiction of a particular moment.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Jacqui Turk
‘My process is a sensory journey where each piece holds a life force. Each work begins as a personal memory and moves from the sensory to the canvas,’ says Indivi Sutton. Photo: Jacqui Turk
At This Moment explores the inherit wisdom of being human. By immersing myself in the theories of anthroposophy and the idea of personal memory, these paintings occupy a place within that is present but not seen,’ says Indivi Sutton. Photo: Jacqui Turk
Sydney-based abstract artist Indivi Sutton uses her paintings as a language to explore the emotions of living within colour in At This Moment at Saint Cloche. This latest series allows her to connect with those childhood memories in New York, Massachusetts and Eastern Long Island, and her early education at Rudolf Steiner School, which embedded a love of nature expressed through creativity.
‘Steiner philosophy is based in anthroposophy and centred by a connection with nature and all her expression, and that colour itself holds spiritual powers,’ Indivi explains. ‘This philosophy has stayed within me throughout my life.’
Founded in the early 20th century by Rudolf Steiner, anthroposophy teaches humans to access a deeper connection with the world through inner development. An essential element of this philosophy uses creativity in learning, in an integrated and holistic manner with art and the environment.
‘In this new body of work, the essence of ‘at this moment’ is connected to the fluidity of the memories and the sensory language of the places and feeling that have become a part of my being,’ Indivi adds. ‘I feel a piece is finished when the resonance of memory is one that gives healing and ultimately transformation.’
“My connection to art is cellular, it’s only when I begin a painting and I deeply feel it, that I’m able to go further. This is also how my life and practice has been – layers of discovery.”
‘I conjure a memory deep within and meditate on the sensory experience of the place which I stood and how the feeling of that moment was illuminated,’ says Indivi Sutton. Photo: Jacqui Turk
Using a delicate medium palette of pigment power on raw linen, Indivi is able to layer the colours to build depth akin to the one left by nature. Luminous orange, deep velvety red and purple, and delicate pinks and green cover the canvases—spots of lightness provide flickers of memories.
‘Each piece connects to a moment in time, and what I hope for is that the audience will connect with that emotion and stand there with me, in their own memory,’ shares the artist.
Symbolising a reawakening after winter, Indivi draws on a recurring memory of the Cherry Blossoms first blooming in Central Park—conceptualising her love of spring in New York City. ‘My friend Valentina and I would lay amongst them, transported into a world of pink and green, engulfed by their vibrancy and abundance that feeling lives inside me to this day,’ she reveals.
Tapping into freedom to create, At This Moment are ethereal scenes of meditative colour on canvas. The works allow the artist to hold a mirror to a landscape’s memory, and in turn, invites the viewer to join her on a transformative journey.
Photo: Jacqui Turk
Photo: Jacqui Turk
VISIT
AT THIS MOMENT AT SAINT CLOCHE
9th - 20th June 2021
37 MacDonald Street, Paddington, Sydney
Hours:
Wed to Sat 10am–5pm
Sun 11am–4pm