The solo exhibition Floating Time was held at Galerie Pompom (Sydney) from July 10th to August 4th 2019. This solo exhibition consisted of abstract drawings and prints, focused on process-orientated repetition.
These artworks utilise the repetitive and controlled mark making of straight, ruled lines. This repetitious drawing action is like a form of timekeeping; the marks becoming a visual record representing time and labour. Favouring organic forms over rigid and pre-planned geometry, the processes behind these drawings and prints incorporate chance-based elements. The forms that emerge can be seen like geometric versions of a tree’s growth rings or geological strata. Over time, Vassallo’s artworks have become increasingly linked to the environment. In an attempt to connect her highly laborious process to the sublime beauty of nature, the large-scale drawings in this series utilise colour palettes observed by the artist in the natural world around her.
These artworks are focused on process. When beginning each drawing or print, Vassallo sets up new parameters and instructions to work within. In creating a systems-based process to generate each artwork, Vassallo plays with the idea of control by narrowing the space available for artistic decision-making in the studio. Each new system is a challenge designed to test her ability and limitations both mentally and physically. The artworks that emerge attempt to visualize the tension between control and freedom, the natural and man-made. Though a relatively restricted way to generate artworks, fluctuations in pressure, lapses in concentration and the physical limitations of the human body form an intricate and uncontrolled texture in these artworks.
The body of work ‘Chance Forms’ is currenlty on display at Wellington St Projects (Chippendale, Sydney), ending Sunday 4th March 2018. More extensive documentation will be online soon.
This series expands on my interest in process-orientated repetition, geometric abstraction, and building systems to work within. This is the first time I have incorporated a chance-based element into my drawing system. The majority of these drawings started as a scattering of sunflower seeds on paper. Where they fell then became the starting points to build up the hard, geometric forms. This simple action is the only organic step in the otherwise rigid set of instructions. I am excited by the way this offsets the predictability of the forms, creating something new and erratic.
Photographs by Document Photography
These screen-printed artworks were exhibited at Gallery of Small Things and Megalo Print Studio in a group show that spanned the two venues in September 2018. They were made by building up layers of simple geometric linear patterns. Each print is unique. The number of layers and hand-mixed colours are instinctual and chance based, unable to be repeated.
Kate Vassallo, acrylic paint screen printed onto paper, paper size 120 x 80 cm, printed area 47 x47 cm
Kate Vassallo, acrylic paint screen printed onto paper, 21 x 20 cm
Kate Vassallo, acrylic paint screen printed onto paper, 20 x 20 cm
Kate Vassallo, acrylic paint screen printed onto paper, paper size 120 x 80 cm, printed area 60 x 60 cm
The artwork Double Mirror was the outcome of a month-long residency at Squiggle Space (Sydney). Using tape, cellophane, liquid chalk, paper and balsa wood - this piece developed organically over time. Focusing on the unique space of the empty shopfront and the endless reflections offered by the double mirror, this piece became an investigation into linear 3D drawing.
Logical Alterations was a solo exhibition of new drawings at MOP Projects (Sydney). Constructed with thousands of ruled lines, this body of work continues an interest in process orientated repetition. Works are coloured pencil on paper. Install at MOP Projects, photography by Docqment.
Orbit was a solo exhibition presented at Canberra Contemporary Art Space in May 2015, a light installation (perspex, cellophane and torches) and a grid of A4 drawings (coloured pencil on paper).
Invert was a solo exhibition presented at Chrissie Cotter Gallery (Sydney) in March 2013, an experimental light installation made of torches, cellophane, mirrors, glass, cardboard, a fan and objects found on the street near the gallery.
Free Fall was a live performance and video installation at Oxford Art Factory in July 2013, as part of Free Fall Season 5 presented by Chalk Horse.
Mime was a solo exhibition shown at Firstdraft (Sydney) in May 2012, featuring a 3 channel video, wall painting and natural light installation. With a desire to translate scientific experiment into abstract visuals, this body of work centered around research into Sir Isaac Newton's theories.
Paraphernalia (2011) was presented as a Flash Night at Kings ARI (Melbourne) and was part of Close Range, a night of experimental performance curated by Alexander Boynes at Canberra Contemporary Art Space. Part performance, part video and part prop installation, the artwork about the 'paraphernalia of making' used found text to generate movements and directions.
