Michael Esson

These works are part of the evolution of ‘Searching for Turtles in Paradise’ which was based on a previous exhibition ‘Where do Butterflies Go When They Die’. Both solo exhibitions in Pakistan.

An excursion to Paradise Point west of Karachi looking for turtles laying their eggs on the beach proved unsuccessful, the turtles have been and gone. The elusive turtles soon turned to being hand grenades due to segmented nature of the shells, and perhaps reflecting the inherent threat of conflict in the world. Like the turtles, being outside the comfort of one’s environment, the world can become a hostile place.

In recent years  visits to Pakistan, China, and Russia has  emphasised to me  the social and political upheaval that impacts all our lives.

Turtles are a symbol of longevity, butterflies the symbol of the soul. Surely we are all searching for the elusive turtles in paradise.

The silhouettes  form the main characters in the drama, whilst the drawn images within, are layered with associations and meaning forming a secondary narrative. These metaphors suggest ideas of vulnerability and threat , ugliness and beauty.

Melanie McCollin-Walker began her artistic journey whilst growing up on the island of Barbados. Always the wanderer, Melanie has lived all around the world and it is this nomadic lifestyle which has been the major source of inspiration for her work. Without the aid of photographs, she relies on her innate sensibilities using a combination of memory, observation and emotion. Subtle layers of paint are juxtaposed with bold and intuitive painterly marks and gestures. The landscape and in particular her signature stormy seas and skies, provide the framework within which the artist’s journey takes place. The resulting paintings are light-filled and dramatic. The essence of natural forces which she is able to capture on the canvas creates a sense of place, simultaneously evoking both mystery and curiosity. Each painting providing a window into her subconscious, while also challenging those viewing her work to delve deeper into their own. McCollin-Walker has been invited to participate in numerous solo and group exhibitions and was shortlisted for the Clifton’s art prize in 2013 and 2016, winning the People’s Choice Award in 2013. Her work is represented in private and public collections globally. She will be exhibiting with Art Atrium in Art Central Hong Kong in 2018.

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work– the Gadigal/Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay respects to their elders past, present and emerging.