Gwenyth Fugard’s mixed media works are visceral, physical and gestural. In her work there is a violent and sensual bringing together of processes using paint and fabric in collision. The violence lies in the very physical process of folding, stitching, scratching, tearing and puncturing of surfaces. Her practice places importance on the process and methodology of painting, with her preferred medium’s essential ingredients being colour and surface. Most paintings consist of one colour, with a spectrum of similar tones within a pared-down palette. A surprise of contrasting colour is positioned to disrupt and activate the surface, which is constructed with layers of textile and heavily applied oil paint.

Absent of any obvious narrative or comment on external worldly matters, the works present a visual language of marks and punctuations which reappear and characterise the works. There is evidence of an assertion and discipline applied along with attempted control when layering the fragile textiles and application of paints, whilst other areas of the composition are left free to be without direction. Division and disruption leave borders and the peripheries open, emphasising the five surfaces of the work. Oscillating between excess and restraint, the works present an altered state, whilst honouring the formal traditions of non-representational and abstract painting. The works operate as self-contained worlds, exposing of the process of their making. 

Lives and works in London

Nationality
British / New Zealand