WINTER PLINTH EXHIBITION – MEET THE ARTIST:
GEMMA GARCIA-ROMAN
Spanish-Australian artist Gemma Garcia-Roman found it interesting to create a mini-exhibition on a plinth for display – “My works tend to be big (sculptures and installations), so it is more challenge for me!” she said.
Gemma’s background is Spanish and being selected to be part of an exhibition in the Judith Wright Centre, such an iconic Australian place, made her feel accepted in the Australian art world. Having regularly attended workshops at the Judy, Gemma says she has always had the impression that it is a very important place and is grateful for the opportunity to share her works with other visitors to the centre. “Receiving the confirmation of my participation was like a dream! I am in!” she said.
Gemma’s practice is vibrant and busy – “All the time I am thinking about starting a new project, so my problem is having too many ideas and not much time!” Gemma is currently completing artworks for an exhibition related to Vincent Van Gogh. She is curating the exhibition, titled “You are not alone Van Gogh”. Gemma and her husband Yaro Starak are creating special artworks in relation to the loneliness of Vincent, art, and style; and because the are also Gestalt Art Therapists, Gemma and Yaro are linking the idea that art helps in any emotional condition.
Gemma also finds curatorial work very rewarding – in 2017 she curated the show: “Picasso Today” where eight incredible artists had the chance to interpret Picasso’s artworks in their personal style. The exhibition was very creative because every artist has their own special expression of this Spanish and iconic artist. The year before, she curated (with support from the artists) another exhibition titled “Eleven Faces of Frida Kahlo” in which eleven artists worked creatively within Frida’s style and influence. Gemma describes this as an amazing opportunity to present talented artists and their special creations to the Brisbane public. “I am deeply grateful to all the artists who participated at all the exhibitions that I curated, believing in me and in my curatorial work.” Gemma said. She is also very grateful to be participating in the Featured Artists at the Judy Exhibition – “Thank you so much to Flying Arts and Maya Carter-Malins (Exhibition Program Lead) for permitting me to being part of this amazing project.”
Gemma’s Magic of Transformation series will be on display at the Judith Wright Centre until 27 August 2018 as part of Flying Arts Featured Artists – Winter Exhibition
All images artist's copyright
