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POLES APART There's a play on words in the title of this exhibition as it references ethnic origin, geographical locations and artistic styles owned by the practitioners. The only two things that connect these artists are 1) they are siblings and 2) each has an interesting and sure mastery of the pictorial arts. Max presents STRIPS, a collection of vertically or horizontally aligned narrow surfaces covered with fascinating linear motifs. The artist adeptly taps into our subconscious level and communicates with us in the ancient language of symbols and mystery. We're not sure if we are viewing carved glyphs from a Toltec temple, or drawing on rock walls, or inscriptions on a pharaoh's sarcophagus but it doesn't really matter. We don't have to interpret the pictographic text to appreciate it, all we need do is respond to the feelings and moods the imagery evokes. In works such as Bird People and Ornithosophy we find a juxtaposition of talismans that bring to mind such widely separated concepts as ancient ideograms and modem urban night life. The rich warm colours of these works invite and soothe as the white drawn marks and suggestions of 'objects' ignite the imagination. One could look at these works every day for years and find something new to see or feel or consider every time they are viewed. Less contemplative but equally intriguing are the more colourful thus seemingly frivolous images that call to mind doodles by Klee or Miro. These brighter works, like Woof! and Desert(ed) Signs attract and delight as they celebrate colour and pattern in a playful manner. Again, we don't need explanations as we are carried away on the wmgs of expectation. Julie's TIME AND TIDE is a collection of well composed colour pencil drawings and oil painting that present a clinical replication of the patterns found in the urbanscape. As much as I appreciate the artist's impeccable skill with her media, I do wish she would take her imagery one step further away from reality to concentrate on the beautiful geometrical abstractions that support her pictures. For example in the lower right corner of Swan Dock, the rich colour and accomplished brush marks are exciting viewing on their own. The artist could bring forward this aspect of her imagery until it fills the surface of the canvas. Julie's pencil drawings are flawless imitations of photography. Images ofshags and gulls on docks and pylons along the harbour have a sharp, 'in focus' foreground while the background appears out of focus, albeit with no loss of colour intensity. This is noted in Trespassing where the distant landscape, a fascinating collection of abstract shapes in rich colour, is more interesting than the forward sea birds. Another example of how possibilities within the abstract can enhance our view of the absolute. This pair of Podstolski may indeed sit on opposite ends of the pictorial span however each, in his and her own way, brings into balance the whole idea of artistic talent.
http://www.artseen.vbw.com.au/podstolski.html
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