January Blog: Reflecting on 'Thrum' – A Milestone Exhibition

As I welcome the new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that led to my recent exhibition, Thrum, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Running from July to October 2024, this exhibition was a significant milestone, encapsulating over five decades of my exploration into geometric abstraction. Curated by Anne Ryan, Thrum showcased a range of works, from early experiments to more refined pieces, including Spangle (1977) and Solstice (1974). And to see the Thrum book put together by Scott Elliot was simply magical as it gave me an insight into my life, its history and allowed me to reflect.

One of the most profound experiences of this exhibition was seeing the continuity in my work over time. It allowed me to reflect on the connections between my earlier pieces and my most recent creations, how they share a common language, yet evolve in confidence and boldness. This realisation reinforced my sense of direction, showing me that the themes of colour, movement, and rhythm have remained central to my artistic expression.

Seeing my life’s work come together in this way was both humbling and exhilarating. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of abstraction and its ability to convey emotion and energy. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons and inspirations from Thrum, eager to explore new possibilities and continue pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice.