Giant by Evi O
In her new series, GIANT at Saint Cloche, Evi O explores colour and shape in larger-than-life artworks.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
An Appreciation of Red Flower in a Hothouse by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
The Alluring Pink Bird Vivaciously Soar by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
Following on from her solo show FANTASIA at Sydney Contemporary 2019, Sydney-based artist Evi O uses the concept of GIANT to create works both large in scale and conceptually. Shown at Saint Cloche in Paddington, the new geometric, colourful paintings continue her guiding philosophies of life and human’s roles within it.
“GIANT is a natural evolution in that I reflect and observe what existing means, and the gigantic things that matter to humans living in a society,” Evi shares. The artworks allow her to investigate both sides of life, the positive and the negative, made even more pertinent during the pandemic. The artist continues, “in abstract forms, beliefs and cultures rationalise our existence; a retelling of human history and observations of current issues are conveyed through compositions of abstract shapes, using colours to inform energy.”
Evi explains that moments in life are symbolised through her abstract forms, deconstructing objects, buildings, animals and nature as we do thoughts and emotions. A myriad of colours are carefully balanced to juxtapose shapes, both angular and soft. The artworks capture energy, offering visual and emotional escapism through her compositions and tonal palette.
The Adventurous Bull in the Land of Giants by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
“GIANT is a natural evolution in that I reflect and observe what existing means, and the gigantic things that matter to humans living in a society.”
“The creatures she depicts, and the scenes that she relays are symbolic of people, places and scenes that have left their mark – and this affords her an intimacy with her subjects that infuses the images with emotional resonance,” muses Kitty Clark. Photo: Andrew Grune
“The creatures she depicts, and the scenes that she relays are symbolic of people, places and scenes that have left their mark – and this affords her an intimacy with her subjects that infuses the images with emotional resonance,” muses Kitty Clark — Saint Cloche’s director, curator of GIANT and a close collaborator of Evi’s.
This relationship with her curator allowed Evi to work with bigger panels, as Kitty challenged her to explore the giant artworks. But with this came a pressure that the experienced artist and designer wasn’t used to. “It was exceptionally hard to “start” this one as perhaps it was so “big” in my head,” Evi explains. “But just like anything big, as you persistently dissect it, things flow, and you reached somewhere new, and exciting.”
With the pandemic lingering over the art world and Evi going through her own experiences, the series couldn’t have come at a better time. “Approaching my mid 30s, I went through some major changes in life that made me question everything…” Evi shares. “The result is a combination of personal and collective tales. Creating this particular collection also activated that innocent, curious child in me.”
Exploration and playfulness keep the works light, even with their deep conceptual backgrounds. But like with all of Evi’s projects, it’s the clean composition and careful colour palette that invites us in further, making them intriguing for all her audiences — connecting us to life even through times of disconnection.
“GIANT is a natural evolution in that I reflect and observe what existing means, and the gigantic things that matter to humans living in a society,” says Evi O. Photo: Andrew Grune
The Effervescent Orange Bird Sings by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
A Moment to Honour by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
An Appreciation of Blue Flower in the Wild by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
“Colour is a powerful thing as it conveys so much emotion.”
The Gracious White Bird Sees All by Evi O from her current exhibition Giant at Saint Cloche. Photo: Daniel Shipp
Photo: Andrew Grune
VISIT
GIANT 25TH FEBRUARY - 4TH MARCH 2021 SAINT CLOCHE 37 MACDONALD STREET, PADDINGTON, SYDNEY