JOURNEY
In 1988 Clare went overseas, travelling around Europe for six months in a campervan with her baby daughter Sarah. The beauty and eroticism of European Classicism had a profound affect on her and she returned to NZ wanting to somehow emulate but also extend those concepts into a more personal and contemporary context.
Intuitively the seeds of ‘Journey’ began to germinate. A story emerged in a series of black and white photographic stills, linked together as a narrative.
‘Journey’ represents an intense emotional and spiritual questioning of the Self, of what it is to be human, of what is of value. The viewer is challenged to ask questions and search within themselves for their own answers, or maybe just open up to embrace more possibilities.
The conflict between sexuality and spirituality is laid to rest for the artist with the completion of this project with the epiphany that one does not negate the other.
With themes of encapsulation and metamorphosis implicit in earlier paintings and sculptures and now in these photographs, transitions are made into altered and differing states of being. The interplay between the sacred feminine and the sacred masculine and the fight between forces is acted out on a backdrop of existential anxiety and shared intimacy.
The message Clare hopes ‘Journey’ brings is one of optimism, tenderness and ultimately, the triumph of love.
Intuitively the seeds of ‘Journey’ began to germinate. A story emerged in a series of black and white photographic stills, linked together as a narrative.
‘Journey’ represents an intense emotional and spiritual questioning of the Self, of what it is to be human, of what is of value. The viewer is challenged to ask questions and search within themselves for their own answers, or maybe just open up to embrace more possibilities.
The conflict between sexuality and spirituality is laid to rest for the artist with the completion of this project with the epiphany that one does not negate the other.
With themes of encapsulation and metamorphosis implicit in earlier paintings and sculptures and now in these photographs, transitions are made into altered and differing states of being. The interplay between the sacred feminine and the sacred masculine and the fight between forces is acted out on a backdrop of existential anxiety and shared intimacy.
The message Clare hopes ‘Journey’ brings is one of optimism, tenderness and ultimately, the triumph of love.
Reviews of “Journey”
(excerpts):
“The moment you encounter these images you're captured. Some gazed at just one, others left with tears in their eyes. Caldwell has caught the most private, often jealously guarded secret of human beings....their emotions. Her work is a sensitive portrayal, deft and masterful. She has taken the first delicate beginnings (of relationship) and woven them intrinsically with the inevitable doubts and disbeliefs....the superb symbolic images speakvolumes. Her work has the power to keep the viewer entranced with haunting, searching visuals.”
(Lyn Fergusson. Reviewer. “Manawatu Evening Standard”).
Manawatu Public Art Gallery.1992.
“The best pieces, those that really engage our curiosity and set up resonances of allusion and imagery are those where they are clothed; there is real piquancy in the juxtaposition of modern jackets and umbrellas and slick hairstyles against the loneliness of the beach. These shots, and those which use the cemetery iron bars as a sort of cage..are most effective..”
(T.J. McNamara. Reviewer.“Auckland Herald”).
Lane Gallery.1995.
“Journey” is an unexpected delight. Adam and Eve cast into a modern mould. A mythical excursion where the pair explore love, survival and grief, where the masculine and feminine are balanced. Caldwell's style is romantic and classical..and her compositions often refer to several stylistic and narrative traditions. Her images are powerful, emotionally saturated and beautifully captured. Caldwell's skills as an artist are clearly evident. I recommend a visit to the gallery. “Journey” is a brave and massive work, well worth the travel experience.”
(Mark Amery. Reviewer.“Sunday Star Times”).
Lane Gallery.1995.
(excerpts):
“The moment you encounter these images you're captured. Some gazed at just one, others left with tears in their eyes. Caldwell has caught the most private, often jealously guarded secret of human beings....their emotions. Her work is a sensitive portrayal, deft and masterful. She has taken the first delicate beginnings (of relationship) and woven them intrinsically with the inevitable doubts and disbeliefs....the superb symbolic images speakvolumes. Her work has the power to keep the viewer entranced with haunting, searching visuals.”
(Lyn Fergusson. Reviewer. “Manawatu Evening Standard”).
Manawatu Public Art Gallery.1992.
“The best pieces, those that really engage our curiosity and set up resonances of allusion and imagery are those where they are clothed; there is real piquancy in the juxtaposition of modern jackets and umbrellas and slick hairstyles against the loneliness of the beach. These shots, and those which use the cemetery iron bars as a sort of cage..are most effective..”
(T.J. McNamara. Reviewer.“Auckland Herald”).
Lane Gallery.1995.
“Journey” is an unexpected delight. Adam and Eve cast into a modern mould. A mythical excursion where the pair explore love, survival and grief, where the masculine and feminine are balanced. Caldwell's style is romantic and classical..and her compositions often refer to several stylistic and narrative traditions. Her images are powerful, emotionally saturated and beautifully captured. Caldwell's skills as an artist are clearly evident. I recommend a visit to the gallery. “Journey” is a brave and massive work, well worth the travel experience.”
(Mark Amery. Reviewer.“Sunday Star Times”).
Lane Gallery.1995.
