I am concerned with today’s consumer culture: the obsession with creating the idealised image and flaunting conspicuous consumerism. I have been beguiled by this culture, however, I found no fulfilment and now consciously focus on more meaningful aspects of my life. In my oil painting I depict a lush still life of eclectic household objects, some in various states of decay and others with cryptic reflections. My aim was to convey a subtle narrative by recalling the composition, symbolisms and painting process borrowed from Dutch vanitas and by referencing the Victorian English’s obsession with consumption and social status. I have likened the full and deflated balloons as a metaphor for the frailty of human life and the reflections in the vase as a metaphor for the illusions we tell ourselves. I aim to comment on the truth that life is fleeting, emphasise the meaningless of materialism and that ostentation is ultimately unfulfilling. I was influenced by Dutch still life artist Rachel Ruysch who painted dark representations of flora which commented on life itself: just as flowers grow, blossom and die so do people. I found inspiration in contemporary Australian artist Nathan Taylor who paints hyper-realistic still life of urban detritus which comment on the excesses of our society and the way objects only provide momentary content that soon fades. The work was created after a process of research, exploration, collage and iterations. I used glazes of transparent paint to convey a sense of depth which was challenging as it is a newly learnt technique. I contemplated adding my own reflection in the vase but omitted it after group critique feedback that this would not add anything to the artwork. Whilst adding detail I realised my vase was off centre. In response I enhanced the asymmetrical composition to comment that life is not picture perfect.
Rachel Wolfe 24 May 2023
Rachel Wolfe is an emerging artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. With a diverse and evolving practice, Rachel explores various mediums and techniques to create captivating and thought-provoking works of art. To explore Rachel's latest projects and artistic journey, visit her website www.rachelwolfe.com.au or follow her on social media.
Superfluity, Reflective Artist Statement was written for assessment, Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Tasmania, Subject: FSA115 Critical Practices in Art: Encounters, Assessment Task 3: Final Project and Reflective Artist Statement
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