Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess - A Group Exhibition
Exhibiting Artists: Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh
Domestic Goddess is a group exhibition curated by Gallery Director Madeline Young, bringing together the work of some of Australia’s most exciting, contemporary female artists. Each artist creates vibrant, lively, colourful Still Life and Interior works celebrating the domestic environment. This exhibition is a visual, “tongue in cheek” take on the modern Australian woman’s role in the household.
Emily Heath, Listen Closely, acrylic on canvas, 65x58cm framed.
Emily Heath
“I really wanted to dive into and challenge the idea of a ‘domestic goddess’ and how that term has historically been used as a confining description and judgement of women. While in many societies women no longer need to be a ‘domestic goddess’ to be regarded as the epitome of womanhood, I do think that judgement around how we manage our homes lingers. I wanted to present chaos as a beautiful, inevitable and humorous consequence of our busy lives. I want people to view the work and feel that they are getting to know who I am, what I find interesting and worth celebrating, and recognise the tenacity and resilience that’s necessary for navigating the competing demands of modern family life.” - Emily Heath
Melanie Vugich, Some Mornings Are Brighter Than Others, oil on board, 79x64cm framed.
Melanie Vugich
“The paintings I created for the Domestic Goddess show are a direct reflection of my domestic life… They feature many of my favourite household items and the art books I refer to regularly. My partner loves flowers and curated table settings as much as I do, so the paintings are also a celebration of our shared aesthetic and his significant contribution to our colour-filled home.
My Italian partner does all the cooking in our house and we both love flowers and beautiful table settings, so the term “domestic goddess” makes me think of him! I like the idea of viewers being reminded that when the world is in chaos, a little beauty and colour at home can go a long way.” - Melanie Vugich.
Linda Kruger, Strawberries and Cream, acrylic on canvas, 32.5x32.5cm framed.
Linda Kruger
In this exhibition, Linda pays loving tribute to the seemingly ordinary objects in her home. To her, the most important forms are those that serve us daily and are usually overlooked: the colours and patterns of the messy tabletop, the exotic creaminess of a glass of milk, abundant fresh fruit from local growers, and foraged flowers in a gifted vase. These are the goddess forms – the tones and colours of domestic happiness that transcend the humdrum of everyday life. It is the reverence given to these everyday objects that raises them from the profane to the sacred.
“When I hear the term “domestic goddess” it makes me think of the art of imbuing a sense of beauty, warmth and significance to domestic things that are otherwise overlooked. I hope the viewer will find renewed awareness and appreciation of their own domestic environment. To discover that their own domestic objects are more than enough - in fact surprisingly wonderful.” - Linda Kruger.
Mary Donnelly, Composition Breakfast with George, polymer acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 54x54cm.
Mary Donnelly
“When I first heard the term “domestic goddess” my first reaction was someone who excelled in all departments - domestic, political, articulate, creative, with the ability to move quite effortlessly between all; and achieve much. On researching the term, it seems to have been altered to fit into present times. A 2016 version of “domestic goddess” was a woman with endless talents, especially domestic skills, who excels at cooking and preparing meals; a woman who is open and giving. Today the word “domestic” continues to relate to the running of a home or to family relations. The word “goddess” takes on rather a romantic notion; that of finding inner peace; leading an authentic and honest life and empowering the feminine self.
With the title “Domestic Goddess” and the colourful, vibrant palette; my hope is that the viewer can sense within the works, a “presence” that is comfortable, happy and fulfilled in whichever space that they care to inhabit.” - Mary Donnelly.
Michelle Fogarty, Honey Jar, Oil on canvas, 53x53cm.
Michelle Fogarty
“When I think about what a domestic goddess is, it’s not the one with the biggest house with the best of things. It’s the one who cares for their environment, making it comfortable, safe and serene. The one that feeds their loved ones with pure, genuine love, no matter how it tastes.
I think one of the things we have learnt over the last couple of years is what is most important to us. Most people would say family and what houses our families is our homes. We have given ourselves permission to stay home and enjoy the simple things. For some it’s cooking and others it’s making a safe sanctuary, surrounded by all that we love.
I hope my paintings evoke this sense of serenity, to brighten a wall, trigger a memory and to compliment the beautiful things we love and cherish.” - Michelle Fogarty.
Jan Spencer, Studio Dulwich Hill, Oil crayon on coloured papers, torn and collaged, 25x20cm.
Jan Spencer
Jan Spencer is inspired by the domestic spaces of her friends…spaces shared for morning teas and drawing; courtyard gardening swapping plants; table tennis dinners, lucky to see the owner’s ceramic creations in her new bathroom; and Jan’s bookshelf with some of her ceramic collection.
“When I heard the term “domestic goddess” I immediately thought of all the inspiring domestic spaces of my women friends, who are strong, individual, and excel in the fields of either documentary making, art, jewellery or ceramics. Their spaces reflect their strengths and are imbued with colour and passion.
I trust my works will connect with an experience or moment the viewers have had or identify with and feel compelled to return a glance and find even more to see.” - Jan Spencer.
Jude Keogh, 2 Big Jugs, iron stoneware, 39 and 34cm high.
Jude Keogh
“Domestic goddess brings to my mind a woman who can cook anything, has the best kitchen appliances and the finest serving dishes. She is impeccably dressed and a great figure, and a great entertainer. A woman straight out of the 50’s and 60’s. A real master of her domain. But it also brings to mind the absolute separation of men and women with no in between. The misogynistic statement of a woman's place is in the house is something I completely disagree with.
I would like the viewer to be transported to the 50’s and 60’s when looking at my ceramic pieces. Enjoying a piece of pie in the afternoon with a glass of Gin or at a dinner party with some fondue and friends. But to also reflect on the underlying misogynistic tone the term domestic goddess represents. Which is why I have chosen the colours pink and blue to glaze some of my pieces.” - Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.
Domestic Goddess, The Corner Store Gallery. Emily Heath, Melanie Vugich, Linda Kruger, Mary Donnelly, Michelle Fogarty, Jan Spencer and Jude Keogh.