Margaret Christianson
Metal & Paint
20 November - 1 December 2024
G3
Opening Night
Friday 22 November | 6 - 8pm
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Margaret Christianson new exhibition Metal & Paint brings together two different mediums in my art practice: that of the strength, durability and manipulation of corten steel sculptures and the vibrant fluidity of acrylic paintings on canvas and paper. This new body of artwork explores the dynamic interplay between hard and soft, cold and warm to create structured and organic forms and visual depictions that have been inspired by the flora and fauna of the Australian landscape seen on this road trip.
In my sculptures, I use a handheld plasma cutter to meticulously shape corten steel, a material known for its durability and rich, rustic patina. Each piece is a testament to the raw power and beauty of metal, that has been cut and welded into intricate forms.
It is this element of manipulating a solid flat metal into fine, delicate twisted metal that I like most, making it look delicate as well as evoking both strength and elegance to capture the essence of Australian native plants and animals in solid forms.
Complementing these sculptures is collection of paintings. My paintings reflect the vibrant and diverse wildlife of Australia, inspired by my recent travels along the eastern coastline from Melbourne to Cairns and back to my studio. This journey has allowed me the time; and space to paint and explore lush rainforests, vibrant coastal scenes, and the diverse ecosystems of these regions.
These artworks burst with colour, initially applied in an intuitive and spontaneous manner. Over time, layers of intricate, detailed brush strokes are added to capture the light and impression of a particular landscape or seascape. It is in the quietness of painting that I completely enjoy and lose time, such a contrast to the heat and noise of creating sculptures.
Metal & Paint invites viewers to experience the harmony and tension between two distinct artistic mediums and to see the Australian landscape’s flora and fauna through a unique lens. It shows the extremes of my art practice and the versatility and creativity that is required to create these rare artworks whether in metal or paint.
These contrasting materials in this body of work bring together a cohesive and compelling visual narrative inspired by the natural beauty of the Australian’s eastern coastline.
Artist Bio
Margaret’s practice is deeply inspired and influenced by the environment, from the vast and varied landscapes of Australia to the seascapes that surround it. As a painter, Margaret works with acrylics to highlight the textural and decorative detail found in nature. She also sculpts in steel, cut with a hand-held plasma cutter in her workshop to again translate the breadth and diversity of the physical world.
CV: Commissions
2024 — Kangaroo & Roses, Haliday Bay, Queensland 2023 — Emmy-Lou & Bridget Memorial, Mackay, Queensland — Garden feature sculpture, Contemplation I & II for a private garden in Macleod, Victoria — Artist in Residence, Overnewton Anglican Community College, East Keillor, Victoria 2022 — Metal Privacy Screen for private home, Yeppoon, Queensland — Featured panel for a Spiritual Retreat, Ferntree Gully, Victoria
2021 — A metal Wine-bar Menu Board, Burke and Wills Winery, Mia Mia, Victoria — Decorative metal wall panel for DuBock Funerals, West Brunswick, Victoria PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR EARLIER COMMISSION HISTORY margaretchristianson.com.au
CV: Exhibitions
2024 — UNBOUND Exhibition, Gallery Unbound, Northcote — SUN MOON Fragile Fingerprints & Lilies Exhibition, Art Workshops Gallery, Montville, QLD — Apollo Bay Art Show — Quadrant Gallery — Victorian Artists Society — Red Gallery - Ladies in Red Rebel Hearts — ASV Sculpture at Melbourne International Flower and Garden — Sculpture at Acheron — CAS a4 Art Australia
2023 — 60BYSIXTYFOR60 2023, Red Gallery, Fitzroy — Biblio Art Prize, Blarney Bookshop & Art Gallery, Port Fairy 2023-2024 — Linden Postcard Show, 2023-2024, Linden New Art — Changing Perspectives Group Exhibition at the Victorian Artists Society Gallery — VAS in Bloom Spring Selection Exhibition 2023 — Kinross Insiders - Kinross Arts Centre, Toorak 2023 — VAS 9X5 Exhibition - 2023 The Victorian Artists Society, East Melbourne
— SCULPTURE AT ACHERON - Within the Land 2023, Rennie’s at Acheron Gallery, Acheron — 'We are Three' Sculpture selected as a finalist in the Gippsland Sculpture Exhibition, Yinnar, Victoria — 'Follow Me' sculpture selected as a finalist in the Feel Good Art Price, Quadrant Gallery, Hawthorn, Victoria — CAS A4 Art Australia Exhibition 2023 Herring Island Gallery, Victoria SHOW and tell, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Carlton -MAVA 2023
— Biblio Art Prize, Blarney Books & Gallery, Port Fairy, Victoria 2022/23 — Linden Postcard Show 2022/23, Linden New Art Gallery, St Kilda, Victoria — Small Works Art Prize 2023, Brunswick Street Gallery, Brunswick, Victoria PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR EARLIER EXHIBITION HISTORY margaretchristianson.com.au
Artist in Residence
2024 — Art Workshops, Montville Queensland 2022 - 2023 — EAGLES OVER MARIBYRNONG Overnewton Anglican Community College, East Keillor, Victoria 2018 — FOUR OAKS Carey Baptist Grammar Primary School - Kew Campus which produced four metal wall panels (265 x 160cm x 1.6mm) each representing a grade 6 class
Contact
Phone : (03) 9482 3550
mail@redgallery.com.au
Address
157 St Georges Rd
Fitzroy North, Victoria, 3068
Map
How to get here
Tram: Route 11
Stop 21 just north of Edinburgh Gardens
Melway Ref: 30B12
Parking in nearby streets
Bus: 504 (Reid Street)
