Jordan Barnes' new body of work explores the notion of solitude and isolation as a physical state and an emotional and psychological experience. Through the lens of the human figure viewed in various situations, Jordan investigates the psychological impact of solitude; the tension created between the self and immediate surroundings; and the quiet dialogue that emerges from isolation.
'As an artist, my ultimate goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition, seeking to uncover fresh perspectives on the world around us and our place within it. My work often explores the figure or portrait in relation to a carefully chosen environment. Through meticulous rendering and a high contrast of light and shadow, I aim to captivate the viewer's attention. However, my true objective lies in delving beneath the surface and striving to reveal a profound psychological narrative.
Kara Burrowes creates intuitively. Her work is guided by emotion, sensation, and a tactile engagement with her chosen materials. She draws on memory and vision but is mostly guided by feeling and acknowledges 'a desire to create the spaces in my heart.' Kara feels a strong bodily connection to these works; a sense of being enveloped, immersed, or shrouded within the work. Her inspiration for these new works draws on the concept of hiraeth and a spiritual longing for home. 'However, the home that is sought is out of reach, perhaps places from my past or another life. With that comes a dislocated sense of homesickness and a touch of sadness and grief.'
'I want to feel the materials in order to really express the longing that I experience. I am drawn to subtle hues within deeper tones as they capture the atmospheric quality I resonate with and the feelings that I hold. Washes of colour build up, layering and blending resulting in a subtly-hued, yet pared back, surface. These colours are also integrated into the textures created by a mix of processes and materials. There is a strong physicality to making the work, dragging; scraping; rubbing, and the etching of materials. In contrast there is also a meditative calm. The surface is continually worked up, settled down, and resolved with the final works seeking rest.'