Australian emerging artist Joi Murugavell will unveil her first solo exhibition in seven years in Sydney from 29 April until 2 May 2022. The exhibition, presented by art advisor Sarah Birtles, will be held at Peach Black Gallery in Chippendale. Titled FINDING MIKEY, the exhibition features 13 new works by the artist, including five ‘double-mattress-sized’ paintings, five collaged ‘toy paintings’ and a large-scale installation work that capture the spontaneity and humour of life.
Sarah Birtles, who represents the artist in Australia, says Murugavell has gained a strong following in Asia in recent years, exhibiting at major art fairs including ART021 Shanghai, KIAF Korea and Art Taiwan and presenting work with galleries in Taiwan, Korea and China.
Art Advisor Sarah Birtles comments: “Joi’s work captures the sublime and the ridiculous all rolled in together, with bittersweet observations that get to the heart of human experience. Her talent is bringing everyday moments into joyous physical expression. Viewing Joi’s work in the flesh is a visceral experience – taking in at close range every brush stroke, pompom and pun, invites a strong response that draws you into the artist’s imagination at its most playful and poignant”.
Collage features strongly across the vibrant series of paintings by Murugavell whose works weave together stories collected from personal experiences ranging from phrases and symbols, to song lyrics, cartoons and childhood toys, which collectively invite deep contemplation and examination. The installation, featuring two figures; Mikey and Marisol Escobar, is inspired by Marisol’s Dinner Date, 1963, and extends the narrative of the paintings into three dimensional space.
The exhibition’s title is a reference to Murugavell’s relationship with Mikey, a friend who scans and documents her paintings. Over time, the artist began leaving messages and clues in the paintings specifically for Mikey to find. Consistent throughout her body of work, every inch of these new paintings begs examination for a hidden message or symbol.
Artist Joi Murugavell adds: “Within each painting are hidden messages, symbols and clues left behind for Mikey to find. It’s a challenge for the viewer to work out which parts of the painting are for Mikey, which are nods to the network of people in my life, and which are coded for your own personal treasure hunt.”
Finding Mikey opens on 29 April 2022 at Peach Black Gallery, 126 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, and continues to 2 May. An opening event will be held on Friday 29 April, 6-8pm. Entry to the exhibition is free.
Featured image : Artist Joi Murugavell in her studio