zoo tomorrow

Oh Dear by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Zoo Tomorrow exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney.

I was swept away last night when I discovered the work of Australian contemporary artist Karlee Rawkins. Her current exhibition, Zoo Tomorrow is showing at Iain Dawson Gallery in Paddington (Sydney). It will be finishing this Saturday (18.4.2009) so Sydneysiders will have to be quick to see these works in person!

Janis by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Zoo Tomorrow exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney. (Sold)

Karlee's paintings demonstrate a long running interest in animal imagery. Zoo Tomorrow focuses on animals that are traditionally hunted, for example bears, deer and game birds. Through these works, she hopes to achieve a sense of vulnerability and explore the contradictory romance and status involved with the hunt.

Forget The Sun by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Zoo Tomorrow exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney.

Karlee studied Visual Arts at the Southern Cross University in Lismore (NSW) in the late 90s. She has since exhibited in numerous group and solo shows and has had artist residencies in Darwin, North India and Nepal, & Paris.

Ewe by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Zoo Tomorrow exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney.

I love pretty much everything about these paintings - the high key colours, painted textures, seemingly quiet animal subjects and areas of detail. Karlee takes inspiration from medieval tapestries and the forest scenes of traditional Middle Eastern imagery, and is interested in devices used to signify sacredness. She sees the circular repeated motif in these latest works as "part arrow and part tree, sprouting like foliage from the figure". Through this imagery she hopes to express a sense of ritual.

Spider Catcher by Karlee Rawkins - on display at the Zoo Tomorrow exhibition at Iain Dawson Gallery, Paddington, Sydney. (Sold)

Zoo Tomorrow is showing until Saturday 18.4.2009 at:
Iain Dawson Gallery
72a Windsor Street, Paddington, NSW 2021.
Phone (02) 9358 4337

Karlee's artworks range in price up to about AUD $3500. I would dearly love "Oh Dear" (pictured at top) - which one(s) are your favourites? (Tell us by leaving a comment!) You can also see many more of Karlee's paintings and mixed media works at www.karleerawkins.com.