Underneath The Fig Tree
Image: Study for Underneath the fig tree - by Michelle Genders.
Local experimental artist Michelle Genders is bringing to us her latest solo multi-media art exhibition, intriguingly titled Underneath the fig tree. The exhibition, opening early November at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown, is an explorative and imaginative take on a metaphysical fig tree in the Marrickville local government area.
According to Michelle, this metaphysical tree is “made up of five trees growing in Camperdown Park, one in Camperdown memorial rest area and one in O’Dea reserve”.
The interesting (and from first glimpses, visually appealing) exhibition is about Michelle’s experiences through this space, and she takes us through her own journey of memories associated with this metaphysical fig tree and what it symbolises in her life.
“I remember riding my bike past their thick, protruding roots,” recounted Michelle. “Lying underneath their green, shady limbs. Looking up at chattering rainbow lorikeets in their branches,” she added.
Reflecting Michelle’s interests in psychology, cosmology, mysticism and meditation––the preview art piece seems almost to read as if a grid of human life is spread across a green canvas of nature, with streets symbolising feelings and emotions escaping the complexities of life.
This Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) graduate from University of Sydney works with a variety of mediums that include drawing, sculpture, installation and wearables. Interested in the similarities and differences between recent scientific discoveries and ancient spiritual traditions, Michelle can well be called a revolutionary artist, setting the bar high with Underneath the fig tree. (JR)
Nov 5–15, Thurs to Sun, 11am to 4pm. Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock Street, Camperdown. Info: marrickville.nsw.gov.au/chrissiecottergallery/
BY JOSEPH RANA
