Hunter & Folk Group Show
Exploring colour and pattern, minimalism and neutrals, the Hunter & Folk Group Show at Rainbow Studios narrates art right now — revealing the diversity and forms of expression, all to the transformative concept of the ‘moth’.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Hande Renshaw, Alana Landsberry & Lea Doyle
Hunter & Folk’s inaugural group show will be held at Rainbow Studios in Darlinghurst. Photo: Alana Landsberry
‘We’re focused on featuring artists who have a story to tell and whose journeys as an artist we find inspiring,’ says Hunter & Folk editor, Hande Renshaw. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Work by Louise Knowles, Ash Holmes, Holly Terry and Jessica Choi Eun Ceramics. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘A lover of all things wild, the moth to me signifies wisdom and discoveries, allowing me to create with ultimate freedom and see where it took me, visually and emotionally,’ says Marley Alvarez. Pictured: work by Marley Alvarez, Rina Freiberg, Edward Inchbold & Peggy Zephyr. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Hunter & Folk editor Hande Renshaw first came up with the idea of a group show earlier in the year after featuring so many artists on the website whose journey she admires. ‘I wanted to give both emerging and more established artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in one space,’ she says.
Hande wanted the exhibition to highlight and reveal the diversity of artists working in this moment. But she adds that this can go against her personal taste—instead, Hunter & Folk celebrates art of all different expressions.
‘There is definitely a particular style and palette that I’m drawn to, but I try to make sure that we don’t feature work that’s purely my style,’ she laughs, ‘if we did, the website would be full of abstract works in a dusty subdued palette!’
With 30 artists joining the Hunter & Folk Group Show, they were invited to consider the theme of ‘moth’, which is a vital part of the Rainbow Studios’ brand and values. For Hande, this was a sentiment close to her heart, ‘The concept is one that resonates strongly with me—transformation and rebirth is something we go through daily as people and creatives,’ she says.
Abstract artist Joshua Ward channelled this energy into his artwork ‘ever-changing’, utilising movement, colour, and different mediums to help capture his intention. The result delves into an exploration of self, celebrating change through abstract and realism intertwining as he flows ‘through feelings of both past and present.’
‘The concept of the moth to me meant transformation and adaptability,’ he says. ‘Throughout my time travelling, being away from home, as well as being openly queer in my mid-20s, there has been a huge transitional period within my life.’
Similarly, in Kate Florence’s swirling patterns and references to the body and self, she narrates the concept of metamorphosis so familiar to the moth. In a ‘playful’ process, Kate challenged herself to use a natural palette against an electric yellow background — ’a play on how everything feels like a constant balancing act’.
‘My work is a constantly evolving process; as I learn with my materials, I evolve to grow with them, my ideas and concepts expanding throughout,’ she says. ‘Each piece is a lesson in which I learn something new; the paint teaches me what is possible and shows me new parts of myself I couldn’t see before.’
Sunset Gums 2022 by Ash Leslie. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Pictured from left: Reflection by Meg Gallagher, Twenty Three by Anthony Stephens & Cermics by Jessica Choi from Eun Ceramics. Photo: Hande Renshaw
“The main highlight is that we have 30 incredible artists showing in the same space—I was totally blown away by the response and humbled that so many artists were keen to come on board for our first group show.”
‘I’m fascinated by the concept of metamorphosis, and how the natural world is eternally evolving, one thing blossoming into another; this is very much relevant to the way in which I direct my creative practice, says Kate Florence. Pictured: work by Stefania Reynolds, Emma Pfeiffer, Kane Lehanneur and Bianca Pintan. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Hunter & Folk editor, Hande Renshaw, wanted the group show to highlight and reveal the diversity of artists working in this moment. Pictured: Ash Leslie in her studio. Photo: Lea Doyle
In Colombian-born artist Joshua Searle’s artwork, he adds layers through the lens of a gold Colombian mask in the collection of the British Museum. ‘The transformation of the object from a colonial artefact into a subject in my work facilitates a reclamation of my true self,’ he says.
For artist Peggy Zephyr, the moth has been a muse throughout her entire practice. ‘Being a natural optimist, I gravitate to the light, and in my work, I am striving to create a positive interaction between the work and the viewer spreading positivity,’ she says.
‘All artists have to expose themselves in order to make authentic work, making themselves vulnerable as a moth heading blindly into the light. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be able to fly!’
At its core, the exhibition reveals the diversity of mediums and concepts of artists working in Australia today. For example, in artist and musician Elle-Louise Burguez’s artwork, she adds poetry to her colourful painting, ‘I have painted a simple moment in time, a table by the sea, under tropical amber light.’
‘I see myself here with my lover, there is a scent of jasmine in the air. We speak gently and laugh often,’ she continues. ‘Or I could be here alone with my thoughts, allowing myself to calm down and live in the rhythm of nature, beginning a new phase of life.’
With the pandemic’s lockdowns influencing reflection of what’s important, Hande sees that creatives and artists have become stronger and more determined. ‘Many artists turned what was a hobby into their full-time job during lockdown, taking the leap into the unknown, which can be incredibly terrifying,’ she says.
‘In many cases, lockdown was a blessing for creatives because it made them re-evaluate what was important – a case of,’ If not now, when?’ Sounds cliché, but it rings true for so many.’
The Hunter & Folk Group Show presale opens 5pm on Wednesday 19th October - join us for the opening night on Thursday 20th October from 6pm at Rainbow Studios!
HUNTER & FOLK GROUP SHOW AT RAINBOW STUDIOs
FROM 20TH - 27TH OCTOBER 2022
348 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst