Iron Bark
Angelique Delport
460mm x 460mm /
Painting
This artwork is available for purchase. Please contact the exhibiting gallery for details
Bark is the outer layer of a tree and without it the tree will die. Unlike other eucalyptus trees, the ironbark does not shed its outer layer of bark, creating deep crevices and interesting ‘landscapes‘ on the tree trunk and branches. Bark is both within and encircling a tree, and thus symbolically provides balance and strength. The rural reality is that without the ‘bark‘ of rural people, this land will be stripped of its protective layer, it’s balance and strength.
Curator’s Comments
The combination of the synthetic quality of the acrylic paint with the organic nature of the iron bark pieces is an interesting juxtaposition. This is reinforced by the choice of colour against a black background. This series of visual dualities could be further supported by refining the background, for example, by reinforcing the flat surface and avoiding any textural/cracking elements – this will further draw focus to the foreground.
About the artist
It is intriguing to see the ways in which abstract art allows someone to interpret a painting from their own point of view, and see that lightbulb moment when the connection or understanding happens. These are Delport’s reasons for being an abstract artist. Looking beyond the surface, Delport sees the fascinating invisible messages around us.