Local artist Elizabeth Marruffo draws upon her own rich cultural background in her artworks. [She has a Mexican/English heritage, and was born in the small border town of Agua Prieta in Sonora, Mexico].
She has been deeply inspired by the street crafts of her Mexican homeland, "where delightful tiny toys are made from pipe cleaners, tin cans and wire, and where religious votive paintings are made from repurposed tin." The memories of these street crafts have become entwined with memories of going to church with her English grandmother, and the meditative rosary reciting of her Mexican grandmother, to form a very gentle, contemplative exhibition of new work. Marruffo sees commonalities between the act of prayer and the making of art. They both create places of escape, spaces of rest and contemplative solitude. She stated, "There are tender consolations in these acts, which can feel like soft, warm embraces when all around is trouble."
The title of her exhibition refers to the evolution of the new artworks, a "gathering of leftover materials including; off cuts from previous exhibitions, remnant clay from children's art classes, unsold paintings, unearthed porcelain dolls and a handed down wedding veil." [All quotes, artist statement 2019]. Although somewhat 'worthless' in monetary terms, she has elevated the humble nature of each remnant by remaking them as highly detailed paintings, tiny intricate sculptures and delicate textile works.
Her exquisite, tiny triangular paintings reference the people in her family, by depicting an eye from each, or the dogs in her life. Their copper leaf backgrounds referencing European religious iconography, whilst the delicate hand decorated frames of the small hexagon paintings recall the ornate frames of Mexican icons and Milagros.
Elizabeth Marruffo studied Visual Arts at Edith Cowan University, graduating with a BA in 2006 and Honours in 2012. She has exhibited regularly since 2007, and her artworks can be found in the collections of Edith Cowan University, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Education Department of WA, City of Wanneroo and St John of God Hospital.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- TURNER GALLERIES | showcasing contemporary art
at 470 WILLIAM STREET NORTHBRIDGE WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6003 - TURNER GALLERIES HAS NOW CLOSED.
This website is an archived record of the exhibitions and artwork shown at the gallery. - Turner Galleries acknowledges the Whadjuk Nyoongar people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where Turner Galleries is situated, and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
- Website © 2000-2024 TURNER GALLERIES. All images are © the artists and are not to be used without permission.
- This is a millapede project.
