Melbourne artist and creative director Soula Mantalvanos is set to showcase her latest body of work, a series of self-portraits, in an exhibition entitled ‘Intermission’.
Having completed the collection on the east coast of Tasmania, while taking a break from her Collingwood home, the exhibition will aptly be housed at Hobart’s Penny Contemporary Gallery.
Following an accident that took place eight years ago, Soula was left in a state of chronic pain, leading to an unforeseen challenging period in her life.
In a similar vain to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who used her pain and suffering as a subject matter in her self-portraits, the artist explores various states of being during this period of her existence, and her journey of personal growth.
“I wanted to ask [all those hard] questions and answer them without influence – put them on paper and exhibit the experience,” said Soula.
“Perhaps I’m testing my confidence? Perhaps I’m wanting to prove to myself that I’m an artist once again.”
Using various materials including canvas, paper and panel, the collection has been put together using traditional art forms of painting, drawing and printmaking.
Supported by Aesop, Chronic Pain Australia, Coal Valley Vineyard and Pain Australia, ‘Intermission’ will open on Saturday 7 March, 2015 at 4:30 pm.
‘Intermission’ will continue from March 7-25, 2015 at the Penny Contemporary Gallery, 187 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania. For information call (03) 6231 5655 or visit www.pennycontemporary.com.au
