Janet Parker-Smith is a Sydney-based contemporary artist who works predominantly with print-making and collage, with her practice often blending the two. Within her works, Parker-Smith creates uncanny and dreamlike compositions that often address themes of identity, displacement, and the environment. Although a printmaker, Parker-Smith’s use of collage is informed by a belief that through this practice “different worlds become unified”.
In Parker-Smith’s ‘Precariously Yours 1’, the artist creates a richly-layered composition that explores the human relationship with the environment. By dividing her image into two halves, the artist creates two contrasting visual realms. In the top half of her work, Parker-Smith draws from archival material by utilising a stylised ‘vintage’ screenprint - an image of a solitary figure surrounded by vividly-coloured nature. Below this figure sits a monochromatic etching, one of highly-detailed leaves, flowers and twigs. In ‘Precariously Yours 1’, as with many of Parker-Smith’s works, the artist uses this striking visual contrast to create a complex narrative that addresses ecological fragility and human connection to, and destruction of, the natural environment.
Parker-Smith’s works are held with the collections of many major art institutions, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Victoria. For lovers of Australian printmaking, or those fascinated by the creative possibilities of contemporary art, Parker-Smith’s work is an intriguing find.
Janet PARKER-SMITH (1971 - )
'Precariously Yours 1' 2024
etching and screenprint on archival quality rag paper
Image Size: 57 x 39 cm
Dimensions: 76 x 57 cm
Signed: Signed and titled below image.
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Condition: Excellent
(c) The Artist or Assignee