In April this year, Summer 2014 student Chloe Vallance held a solo exhibition of her Masters of Arts (Fine Art) by Research at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. The project was entitled A Moment of Beauty: An Archive of Intimate Engagements.
In April this year, Summer 2014 student Chloe Vallance held a solo exhibition of her Masters of Arts (Fine Art) by Research at We spoke to Chloe recently and she gave us an insight into the exhibition and her work.
So Chloe, tell us a little bit about the show.
This current show entitled, ‘A Body of Experience’ is comprised of a selection of my Masters by Research artwork paintings and drawings on paper and is exhibited along side artwork created after my Masters exhibition (a collection of paintings and drawings on plywood). I paint with watercolour, gouache and ink and draw with colour pencils on paper, plywood and recycled objects.
My artwork has been formed through the exploration of portraiture. I see my work as an archive of intimate engagements; documents of a daily practice. People engaging in a creative and playful activity and how they relate to people, objects and space. The aim of my work is to locate beauty – in a sense, inner sense, in essence, in experience – in the moment of contemplation and connection. My method of working in response to the moment is about trying to get closer to an authentic feeling and most importantly to contribute to and connect with the people I am drawing or painting.
What was the inspiration behind this collection of work?
People I know and admire often inspire my artwork. This collection looks at various people participating in everyday moments, essentially just living their life well and true to who they are and what they love. When I see people involving themselves positively with world, even in the simplest of ways, such as going for a walk or watering the garden, I want to look closer at this moment and give it a greater significance. I seek to remind myself and hopefully other people, of just how lucky we are to be alive, in this moment, at this time. I want to draw attention to the beauty of people living peacefully and passionately with themselves and each other.
Ideally I would love my artwork to inspire people to live more fulfilled lives, in a similar flow on effect to my subjects (my friends and family) inspiring my artwork into being, giving me purpose, pleasure and peace in my life as an artist and as a human being.
Do you have a favourite piece in the show?
Look into my Eyes is a portrait of my Grandpa’s sister; a strong minded warm hearted women who loves to talk and has an opinion about everything. When she sat for this portrait she was so focused and I feel her energy contributed greatly to the subtle power of this picture.
Another favourite, In the end only kindness Matters is another portrait a strong minded women; a friend I lived with in London who inspired me greatly in her fearless and courageous approach to life. She is a force to reckoned with and one of the kindest most generous people I have ever know. I feel each painting finds its strength in the way the mediums have worked together to draw closer to the nature of the subject.
You attended the 8-week Summer 2014 program. Do you feel that your work has changed or developed in any way since being in Rome?
The time spent working in Rome was one of the best experiences I’ve had with my artwork. I feel my confidence in my work has become stronger and my understanding of where I am going with it is clearer. Being in Rome and having two months to focus on observational drawing and painting with a group of artists and passionate teachers gave me the space and time necessary to grow further into my artwork. I feel more changes are to come and will gradually emerge through a rigorous studio practise over time.
So what’s next for Chloe Vallance?
My aim is to continue to be involved in a variety of exhibitions and creative projects in Australia and abroad, whilst maintaining my rigorous studio practice and expanding my artistic vision through the exposure of travel and education.
Keep up to date with Chloe @vallance_chloe
Want your work to be featured in the RAP Blog?
If you have been on the program and have recently had or are about to have a show, have released a book or similar, then please get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you.