From Sharne Wolff…
Almost two decades of Lucy Culliton’s oeuvre have been considered for this large survey exhibition that includes more than 130 selected works. Graduating from the National Art School in 1996, Culliton’s output has been nothing short of prolific. Reflecting an incredible work ethic, Culliton’s abundance of fresh ideas is mostly drawn from her everyday existence. Her intention is to highlight the special in the commonplace, the extraordinary in the mundane. As she says, “I want you to see the ornate stitches on a hand made coat hanger, the glisten in the red sauce on hot chips, the depth of beauty in the shine in a pigeon’s eye…”
Ironically perhaps, it’s Culliton’s eye for detail that has led to an insistence on simplicity and a lack of pretension in her work. Amongst the earliest paintings in this show are Culliton’s horse portraits which feature as a result of her youthful obsession with the sense of freedom the animal represented. Mentored by Sydney art identity and gallerist Ray Hughes from the early stages of her career, Culliton’s paintings and mixed media works span carefully observed domestic subjects from crockery, fruit and flowers to her beloved and colourful collection of cactus plants. More recently the artist has taken on landscapes including those surrounding her home in Bibbenluke in southeast NSW. A regular Archibald finalist, some of Culliton’s more intimate portraits are included in the show alongside the deliciously wicked Ray in Paris 2010.
Until November 30
Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman
Pic: Lucy Culliton Self with subject (Domestic Science)2007,oil on canvas,70 x 100 cm. Courtesy the artist and The Hughes Gallery.
