rina franz

fragmented narration

21 may - 19 june 2010

Rina Franz has an interest in architecture, studying it in Rome in 1970.

However her interest turned to the visual arts, studying in Perth at TAFE in 1985, completing a BA at ECU in 1988, and going on to do her Master of Arts at Curtin University, graduating in 1991. Architecture and the influence of Italy has remained a strong force throughout her artistic career, yet with this exhibition of Fragmented Narration, Rina has opted for a new direction.

This is a far more personal show of paintings and drawings, often incorporating portraiture of herself and family. She is investigating the importance of unpredictable life fragments in our lives when life presents us with unexpected events.

Many of the paintings and drawings in this exhibition consist of several panels set together to form new narratives. Drawings sit next to paintings, portraits next to chaotic city scenes, a train next to architectural structures, a delicate bird wing next to a tram. Rina allows the beautiful woodgrain of the ply panels to form the backdrop to her striking drawings and portraits. Overall, this exhibition is filled with themes of loss and departure, of travel and struggle and of fragments of memories.

Rina is an important mid career Perth artist and teacher whose extraordinary talent for drawing and painting has earned her the prized Artsource Basel residency this year, and has seen her work included in the collections of the Art Gallery of WA, University of WA, Australian Capital Equity, Edith Cowan University, Royal Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and many others.

 

Artist Statement...

Life presents us with unexpected events. These are unpredictable life fragments. ‘Fragmented Narration’ looks into the relationship between these events and the psychological response to those moments that interrupt and suspend the course of our lives.

Our life is built upon these fragments. We continually transform ourselves when we are confronted with something that we cannot change or understand.

Looking through the mirror I find myself exploring the meaning of portraiture and how memories are preserved in order to make decisions.

This self-exploration has given me the opportunity to see beyond the image in the mirror and to begin the search into the unseen.

Rina Franz 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rina franz artwork
decisive moments II
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
150 x 300cm
2009
$9,500
rina franz artwork
silent journey
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
40 x 160cm
2009
$5,000
rina franz artwork
a sparkle to my dreams
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
180 x 85cm
2009
$6,500
rina franz artwork
time to reflect
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
180 x 85cm
2009
$6,500
rina franz artwork
in transit
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
40 x 160cm
2009
$5,000
rina franz artwork
the waiting game
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
40 x 160cm
2009
$5,000
rina franz artwork
decisive moments I
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
150 x 300cm
2009
$9,500
rina franz artwork
hesitation
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
40 x 160cm
2009
$5,000
rina franz artwork
interrupted + suspended
graphite, acrylic + ink on plywood
40 x 160cm
2009
$5,000