Art inspired by moments of solitary stillness.
As we find ourselves entrenched in the depths of Winter’s coldest month, for many of us this is a time to exercise our self-preservation, allowing our bodies and our minds to reset. In Chinese Taoist philosophy it is stressed that one must live in harmony with the season, mirroring nature whenever possible and adjusting to its rhythm. In Winter, this means allowing our bodies to hibernate and repair themselves. This week’s curation is inspired by serendipitous stillness - amidst the chaos of Winter storms, these works capture brief moments of rest.
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There is a barren beauty in Winter landscapes. Frost-bitten and wind swept, the cypress trees in Kathryn Ryan’s work stand alone, embracing the solitude of the vacant field. Under dark and ominous clouds, this scene is imbued with a strange serenity, one that the impending storm threatens to disturb.
 Kathryn Ryan - 'Silhouette Nocturne #9' |
 Kathryn Ryan - 'Panmure Nocturne' |
In the solitary stillness of the Winter months, there is ample opportunity for self-reflection. In the ever-waning light we begin to view the world around us differently, smaller details becoming infused with significance. These still lifes are a testament to this - each appearing as their own quiet meditations on the minutiae of nature. In Joel Walter’s etching, the solitary pine cone becomes an object of artistic grandeur - each scale carefully enunciated.
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Whether you are a self-proclaimed ‘Winter Person’ or not, it is undeniable that during this colder season, the pace of the world begins to slow. It is in these times that we must rest and recuperate, continuously persevering through the seemingly never-ending cold.
“But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope. - Vincent Van Gogh
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Lucinda Boyd - 'Black Treescape with Red Leaves'
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