Chameleon 2019 North Epping

My life is complex. My ‘cerebral’ and ‘physical’ identities intertwine to feed my artistic practice. My past, my intellect, my dreams and my fears are all expressed through my poetry, journals, drawings and paintings. All of these give me a voice, hoping to be heard, yearning for recognition, but not fame or celebrity.

Testimonial by Jenni Trezise

‘Chameleon’ 21^st November – 13^th December 2019

What a wonderful opportunity it was to exhibit in this new and innovative art space in North Epping in 2019. I can honestly say that my exhibition entitled ‘Chameleon’ held at Gallery 11:11 was a turning point in my artistic journey.

I was juggler of time, career and creativity for the previous forty years and we selected my most recent works for this solo exhibition, co-curated by director Melony Smirniotis and myself. There was ample room for twenty-eight works on the walls; a professional hanging system and break out rooms. So well designed.

Six large artworks formed the central focus of my exhibition. The ‘hero work’, entitled ‘Terror in the Wallpaper’, occupied the centre of the longest wall facing the entry. The ‘source works’ entitled ‘Dooga Creek’ & ‘Nature’s Detritus’ were placed on easels near the door. I really enjoyed this refreshing way to perceive an exhibition and also the request by Melony for a strong narrative to give the exhibition strength and validity. It was these concepts that Melony taught me which informed my exhibition and my future practice. Challenging at first, it was very empowering on moving forward.

I now work on large pentaptyches on steel and I execute these works in gouache and found objects. I feel that I have now found my ‘life’s work’.

Thank you, Melony, for the opportunity to show my artwork in your light filled, special purpose art space. Congratulations for what you have created for both the community and the artists who exhibit in Gallery 11:11. Your encouragement and support is highly valued and an integral part of your success.

Much love and appreciation,

Jenni Trezise

Terror in the Wallpaper Series

These large works are of ‘beings’ who appeared in the wallpaper of my childhood. There are six large artworks which form the central focus of this exhibition. As an explanation, when I was little my bedroom walls were covered in a heavy cream wallpaper, with scrolls, floral bouquets and ornaments arranged with a vertical symmetry, cream on cream. The designs were heavily embossed with no added colour. During the day the patterns were beautiful, delicate, lovely. At night however they took on a sinister life with open mouthed jaws, eyes and teeth leering from the pasted paper. Nothing would dissipate the terror until the sun rose. By using two of my source artworks ‘Dooga Creek’ and ‘Nature’s Detritus’ and dividing them along a vertical plane digitally, then mirroring them down a central axis, I was able to allow faces, claws and bodies to emerge and because the human form is likewise symmetrical I could see the potential for these fearful forms to appear and be the basis for my conceived works. I have executed these in gouache, graphite, ink and stick, torn papers, guinea fowl feathers and found objects such as bridge spikes, jacaranda pods and rusted nails, to name just a few.