Natasha Walsh is a finalist and winner of the 2018 Mosman Art Prize.
'The cicada, an insect long associated with immortality and re-birth, represents here a state of being. Her shell is an old mouldy dress and veil, which has become disappointing, constrictive and confining – a representation of self which we uncomfortably wear and present to the world.
In this case, the veil conceals not only our imperfect, changing, true self from the world, but also obscures our vision in turn. These roles become confining and yet comforting, however growing pains make them almost impossible not to shed. As such this piece is primarily a work about vulnerability and self-awareness as she removes the veil, shedding her clothing like a cicada does its shell.
The painting, in turn, is also aware of its own alchemical construction, as the figure ‘holds up’ her own illusion of space and form from the flat and reflective copper support with the same hand that pins up a non-existent veil. A painting is itself a shell, which artists leave behind. It imitates the form and mind which once occupied it, however, it is not immortal. It only prolongs an older state of being, and once being created will eventually wither and die.'
Artwork:
