Julia Fitz | Cathkin, Unseen

Artist statement

In my work, I explore the intersection of beauty and imperfection, embracing the raw, unpolished moments that reveal a subject's essence. Unseen captures this philosophy, as I intentionally left the imprimatura and charcoal underdrawing visible on the shoulder and chose to leave one eye unfinished. These deliberate choices speak to my belief that beauty isn’t found in perfection but in the fragments where the soul of the work emerges.

The unfinished elements invite the viewer to pause and reflect, to look beyond the surface and discover what is often overlooked. This approach mirrors my own journey of embracing individuality and finding strength in vulnerability, translating my fascination with transformation, form, and the unseen into art that honors both the creative process and its mystery.

Artist Bio

Julia Fitz (b. 1973, Melbourne, Australia) is a contemporary figurative artist. She is known for her portrayal of distorted yet graceful female fashion figures, often depicted in states of lounging, contemplation, or statuesque repose. With a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including painting, illustration, and digital media, her current work is primarily in oil. Fitz employs a distinctive figurative language characterised by raw mark-making, energetic lines, and expressive brushstrokes. Her work challenges conventional notions of beauty, swinging between classical monochromatic works and rich colour palettes. Deliberately leaving broken lines and unexpected marks to evoke emotion and explore the intrinsic relationship between beauty and imperfection. Fitz's debut solo exhibition at the FIDA Gallery in London, UK, in July 2023 was a significant milestone, introducing her work to an international audience. She was also recognised at the 8th FIDA Drawing Awards, where she received a commendation for excellence in fashion art and illustration. Her work has been featured in contemporary fashion illustration and art publications, including The Fible-Triptic 3 (2023) and The Fible 4 (2024). Currently, Fitz is furthering her studies in classical drawing and oil painting at the New York Academy of Art, refining her craft in her ongoing pursuit to capture the beauty and complexity of the human form. Her works are held in numerous private collections throughout Australia.