Jessica Rankin | Field of Mars
Australian born, and New York based artist Jennifer Rankin returns to Australia with Field of Mars, a lyrical series of codes and constellations that form psycho-geographic maps.
Presenting new work comprising of large-scale embroideries, as well as collages and works on paper, the exhibition is inspired by the Rankin’s last trip to Australia in 2014. Visiting her mother’s burial site, aptly named Field of Mars cemetery outside of Sydney, this encounter inspired a revisitation of her mother, poet and playwright Jennfier Rankin, and her ongoing influence in Rankin’s visual language.
Throughout Field of Mars the textual arrangements and word collages created by the artist are composed and recomposed using chance methodologies. Embroidering abstract landscapes, Rankin creates psycho-geographic maps that stem from her recollections and internal experiences. Layered with codes and constellations, the works are embedded in memory and a dialogue with the self.
Exploring her personal connection and experience of the landscape, Rankin captured the compistiion of the sky on dates of particular significance. A personal narrative, the watercolours and drawings of black and white landscapes are a commonality that the viewer can relate to.
This engagement with natural phenomena and the self led Rankin to study astronomy as well as poetic interpretations in astrology. As such her works inspire to engage with nature on the full spectrum from the land, the sky and the stars.
Delicate and to the point, Field of Mars is an intriguing insight in Rankin and her ongoing engagement with nature.
EXHIBITION
Jessica Rankin | Field of Mars
27 July – 27 August
Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne
Courtesy the artist and Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne
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