Exhibition “Everything is Golden” by Michelle Wise

Opening: Thu 29 Oct 2015, 6 pm
Exhibition: 29 Oct – 12 Nov 2015
Spacebar Cafe

From the organizer:

Join us for the opening of “EVERYTHING IS GOLDEN”, a selection of paintings and contemporary lacquer by Michelle Wise.

“EVERYTHING IS GOLDEN” is a series of works developed out of Wise’s personal interest in using colours and simple geometric shapes to explore how spatial and color relationships have the power to evoke emotional responses. Inspired by non-objective abstract expressionists such as Joseph Albas and Mark Rothkoe and drawing on Vietnamese and other Asian cultural artistic traditions, this series utilizes lacquer work and gold leaf in contemporary ways. Her work thematically focuses on shape and form within these media; eliciting a sense of spiritualism while avoiding reference to religious iconography.

Born in 1975, Michelle comes from Whanganui, New Zealand. She hitchhiked out of town with nothing but a “Christchurch” sign and a backpack when she was 17 years old to start a Fine Arts degree at the Canterbury School of Fine Art where she majored in Sculpture. During her time there she received a number of scholarships including the prestigious Ethel Susan Jones Travelling Scholarship, which took her to China at age 23 to develop her work after topping her school in her final year. She has exhibited in Christchurch, Berlin, Sydney and Cambodia since then and after studying a Masters in Teaching at University of Sydney received an award for excellence in Art Education. Michelle has been teaching art at international schools for 14 years, from Kindergarten through Diploma Program. She regularly presents at international symposia and workshops and currently resides in Hanoi, teaching at the United Nations International School.