A Heroine Cityscape at Pixel Ink Gallery

12.03.09

A Heroine Cityscape at Pixel Ink Gallery

Wellington based artist, Melissa McDougall will preview her first solo New Zealand show – a series of new paintings depicting the relationship between characters and their urban environment – at Pixel Ink Gallery on Wednesday 25 March at 5.30pm.

The exhibition titled Dark Belles is concerned with the idea of a female heroine inhabiting a dark cityscape.

“The city is a creative, seductive and disruptive reflection of the human condition,” says McDougall. “In Dark Belles I have moved toward a more contemplative and distant urban skyline, infused with dark childhood memories, surrealist poetry and German fairy tales.''

McDougall's figurative paintings are inspired by a love of Japanese prints, Film Noir and Gothic writing.

The paintings commonly depict a night cityscape where the lights of the city play host to a midnight blue sky. The heroine often appears in contemplation, and set amongst feminine symbols of flowers and butterflies, calling on ones imagination and evoking a dreamlike quality.

The artworks reflect McDougall’s desire to live in and be around the city. It is a constant source of inspiration for her.

“My work has always dealt with the relationship between characters and their urban environment,” says McDougall.

The Dunedin born artist has previously exhibited in Australia, the Philippines and the United States. Dark Belles is her sixth solo show and her first solo show in New Zealand.

Pixel Ink Gallery director, Rosalind Clark said the common cityscape theme will connect with a wide Wellington audience. Viewers will respond to the engaging female heroine set amongst a dark urban environment with elements of mournful beauty.

• Exhibition details:

Melissa McDougall
Dark Belles
Pixel Ink Gallery, 12 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington

Runs from 25 March – 5 April 2009
Opening night: Wednesday 25 March 5.30 – 7.30pm

Admission FREE, all welcome to attend.

Gallery opening hours:
Wed – Fri 10am – 5.30pm
Sat – Sun 10am – 3.30pm

ends

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