Our Knowing and Not Knowing: Helen Maudsley

Our Knowing and Not Knowing: Helen Maudsley 

NGV Australia at Federation Square | 17 November 2017 – 12 March 2018 | FREE

At the age of 90, Helen Maudsley is one of Melbourne’s most senior artists with an artistic practice spanning seven decades. The National Gallery of Victoria will display 30 recent paintings and drawings by Maudsley in the solo exhibition, Our Knowing and Not Knowing.

Maudsley’s images use a distinctive visual language that is characterised by abstract shapes and symbols. These cylinders, circles and cubes offer clues for the viewer to decipher and interpret, and patterns, such as fragments of buildings or landscapes, begin to emerge from the repeated shapes.

Maudsley’s work inspires contemplation and embraces ambiguity. Referring to her work as ‘visual essays’, she encourages the viewer to bring their own interpretation to the work.

‘Helen Maudsley’s recent practice represents a hugely vital and dynamic period in her longstanding artistic career. Helen’s highly technical style draws the viewer into her reflections on human relationships and the world around us. At the age of 90, Helen is just as inquisitive, inventive and passionate as ever,’ said Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV.

The wife of fellow respected Australian artist John Brack, Maudsley has perfected her process oriented craft over many decades and continues to practice every day. With a career spanning from the dawn of Australian modernism through to contemporary art today, Helen continues to share her wealth of art knowledge and formal techniques by teaching art classes in Melbourne.

Our Knowing and Not Knowing: Helen Maudsley is one of five solo exhibitions by leading Australian artists for NGV Australia’s 2017-18 summer program, including Del Kathryn Barton, Mel O’Callaghan, Louise Paramor and Gareth Sansom. The exhibition will be on display at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, Melbourne from 17 November 2017 – 12 March 2018. Entry is free. Further information is available from the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE.