From Sharne Wolff…
Hossein Valamanesh and Angela Valamanesh are two of South Australia’s best-known contemporary artists. In their current exhibition at Sydney’s Breenspace, a range of works from their respective practices in sculpture, installation and ceramic art and which feature their ongoing fascination with the poetry of the natural world.
Hossein’s artistic career spans over forty years during which time his practice has consistently been concerned with nature, humanity, time and belonging – themes also evident in the artworks. The wall sculpture Breath appears as a frail tree branch, delicate twigs hang in an almost-symmetrical arrangement like a pair of human lungs. Once cast in bronze the fragility of this piece is denied by its inherent strength and materiality.
In Vent 4, 5 and 6 Angela’s work continues a similar thread with a set of spare unglazed ceramic sculptures. Similar to much of her recent work, these three oval shaped pieces in earthy colours are reminiscent of the natural world. Horizontal gill-like openings bring a sense of energy and life to the piece.
In Grafting #1-3 the artists have collaborated on a series of unique bronze sculptures based on ancient runic stone and wood inscriptions that predate the development of Latin languages. In this case, their ‘organic stories’ are created from found twigs shed from trees in their Adelaide garden.
Until September 14
Breenspace, Sydney
Pic: Hossein & Angela Valamanesh, Grafting #1, 2012, bronze, 59 x 62 x 3cm, unique. Courtesy the artists and Breenspace.
