Past Exhibition

Art on Demand 3.4

Artists Jessica Peatman & Kristin Voth and Curated by Katherine Searle
Nov 16, 2017
to
Dec 31, 2017
EXHIBITION

Jessica Peatman and Kristin Voth examine what it means to be a child in an overwhelming world. Speaking to those times during childhood when reality overrules imagination and fantasy; when pieces of childhood are left behind, and we are forced to move forward.

Jessica Peatman’s work reflects the loneliness, fear, and uncertainty of childhood, and explores the tension between naivety and maturity. The works included in this exhibition refer to the subjectivity of memory as conveyed through the process of photo-etching. Peatman’s imagery resembles the illustrations of a children’s book, reflecting an aesthetic usually associated with the approachability of children’s literature. Her prints, however, evoke her own experience in the foster care system, both as a child in care and as part of a family that fostered young children. These sensitive works suggest that, though specific experiences may differ from child to child, the desire for a sense of safety and belonging is a common experience for all children.

In her work, Kristin Voth uses moments taken from photographs of her childhood. Using a palette of pastels and greys, her paintings bear a resemblance to old photographs. Voth’s handling of paint is unfettered and suggestive, combining elements to create a mood rather than simply describing a scenario. She depicts children in situations that would normally be considered pleasant: riding bikes, attending birthday parties, and trips to the swimming pool. However, in these scenes, the children’s expressions deny the simplicity and joy that we might expect to find.

Jessica Peatman and Kristin Voth portray aspects of childhood quickly forgotten by adults whose domains of agency and influence make it easy to disregard past vulnerabilities. Using photography-based practices to recall the events and emotions of childhood, these artists conjure the hardships of our formative years, awakening youthful discomfort while ensuring that it is held at arm’s length, a safe distance from which to say “I remember when…”

The Reach Art on Demand 3.4 Monograph

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