bernadette curtin
ARTIST STATEMENT
One current series of paintings refers to water, represented in its simplest form, a raindrop as a symbol of survival. In this sequence of works the inspiration comes from the thunderstorms in a subtropical climate, viewed from my house overlooking the beautiful Myocum Valley. Storm clouds gather out on the horizon and gradually sweep in towards the house. I attempt to mimic the wind, or capture fleeting glimpses of the landscape as the clouds enshroud the house with the arrival of rain on window panes. It is as if the viewer is inside, sheltered from the dynamic forces of nature, observing and listening.
Other paintings are a dedication to this particular environment as experienced through seasonal and temperature shifts. Intuitive responses are made to the sounds and behaviour of birds and animals which inhabit the garden. I am preoccupied with the painted surface and the effects to be gained by layering and manipulating the paint using traditional and spontaneous techniques.
CV
QUALIFICATIONS Diploma of Teaching (Art) (S.A. School of Art)
Bachelor of Arts (Flinders University, S.A.); majors in Anthropology and Art History
Master in Fine Art (RMIT University)
EXHIBITIONS
2008 Solo Exhibition, Pollock Gallery, Melbourne,
2007 Byron Bay Art Prize, Byron Bay NSW
Border Art Prize, Tweed River Regional Gallery, Murwillumbah, NSW
2006 “Celebrating Women“ Sheoak Shack, Fingal Head N.S.W.
Salt Gallery Queenscliff, Victoria
Greenhill Galleries Adelaide, South Australia
2004 Finalist. Cromwell’s Art Prize, Sydney. Touring exhibition to Jackman Gallery Melbourne, Arthouse Hotel Sydney, and the Australian Embassy, Washington USA
Finalist John Leslie Art Prize, Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria
2003 Solo Exhibition “Aqua Urbanica”, The Gallery, Melbourne
2002 Finalist. Fleurieu Prize for Landscape Painting. SA
2001 Solo Exhibition, "Urban Meadow", Mira Gallery, Flinders Street, Melbourne
1999 Contemporary Australian Artists from RMIT Dept. of Fine Art “Works on Paper", Seoul National University, Korea
Installation of Paintings - River Restaurant, Southbank & Tryst Café, South Yarra Vic
1998 Installation of Paintings - Hotel Sofitel, Collins St, Melbourne Vic
1995 Graduate Exhibition, Master of Fine Art, RMIT, Gallery 333, Collins St, Melbourne
1994 Dominique Segan Castlemaine State Festival, Drawing Prize Vic
PRIZES & AWARDS
2002 FLEURIEU PRIZE for Landscape Painting
WINNER OF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
1994 DOMINIQUE SEGAN, CASTLEMAINE STATE FESTIVAL, Drawing Prize Exhibition - Highly Commended Award by Betty Churcher, then Director, Australian National Gallery, CANBERRA.
PUBLICATIONS
2003 ILLUSTRATIONS for ‘Writer’s World' by Di Berold. Brolga Publishing
N.Z. ART MONTHLY. “Elemental Journey” by Sophia Xeros-Constantinedes
2000 AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ACCA),Melbourne
BOOK LAUNCH for "Artists' Secrets" by Bernadette Curtin, Haystack Publications.
COMMISSIONS
2004 AUSTRALIAN WHEAT BOARD. Installation for Board Room and Reception area entitled “Rain Gauge Series” Perth, Western Australia
1996 AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY MURAL Commission
Health Sciences Faculty Building
1991 PROJECT ARTIST CITY OF BERWICK
Design and co-ordination of landscaping and artworks for two public squares Funded by Victorian Ministry for the Arts and Berwick City Council
REPRESENTATION IN COLLECTIONS
A.W.B.
ARTBANK
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
CROMWELL’S COLLECTION
PRIVATE COLLECTIONS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA, USA
