Jillian Green’s exhibition of superb new paintings and drawings pay homage to her ongoing interest in theology and the art of the Middle Ages. Intricate layers of painstaking detail lightly veil iconic forms, such as a cross or the outline of vestments. These repetitive forms, each deeply meaningful, each charged with emotion and beauty, are indeed very prayer like. Her work evokes a sense of universal spirituality and meditative tranquillity. Many layers of meaning can also be found in Jillian’s work. Her symbolic forms, including text and lettering, cut across many different cultures and epochs, signifying a universal wholeness.

Composition and balance are important elements within Jillian’s artworks. Finely detailed surfaces are contrasted with large simplified shapes beneath. She has also applied these elements to the selection of works in the exhibition, balancing a series of white on white paintings with black paintings. Again this refers to universal polarities of light and shadow, day and night, yin and yang, life and death. In contrast to the stunning black and white series is a selection of paintings in rich blues and oranges. All of these works have luminous surfaces that evoke the medieval manuscripts that continue to inform and influence Jillian’s work. Complementing the paintings is a selection of exquisite, small drawings.

Jillian recently stated about her work;
I am interested in mysticism and feel an affinity with the way it finds expression in the aesthetics and language of Christianity. I particularly appreciate the richly detailed manuscripts born out of the monastic tradition of the Middle Ages. My work is intended to reflect a meditative and prayerful stillness at the same time as being a means by which I foster this state within my own mind. The rhythmic process of painting detailed patterns and repetitive text is a valued part of my life. I try to balance pattern and intricacy with simplicity of composition.

Jillian is currently completing her Bachelor of Art, Honours, at the School of Visual Arts, Edith Cowan University. She has also studied Theology, Philosophy and Counselling at Notre Dame University and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Edith Cowan University. Last year Jillian won the Drawing Prize in the Rockingham Regional Art Awards. This is her sixth solo exhibition and the second time she has exhibited her work at The Church Gallery. We are very pleased to welcome her back.

*prices valid 2004