Darcy Gralton
Presbyterian Ladies' College Sydney
BREATHING ROOM
Painting
Acrylic on panel
Sydney's housing crisis has confined many to smaller spaces. My body of work investigates this shrinking domain, stepping into and out of these tiny spaces to represent the unseen lives of individuals in a collective confinement. I chose my palette to convey the mundanity of limited choice. Examining our perceptions of the spaces we inhabit, my intention is to convey a view of individuals in their environment, using different perspectives to invite the audience in, to inhabit these confined spaces themselves. My work is a visual and visceral representation of the mundane: people finding room to breathe.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Benny Lam, Subdivided flats and Trapped series; Wendy Sharpe; Rachel Milne.
Marker's Commentary
This ambitious painting series investigates the repercussions of the housing crisis and the formidable challenge of securing comfortable accommodation in our crowded city. Sombre and somewhat dilapidated, the internal and external views of buildings and cramped rooms poignantly illustrate the struggles and lack of security experienced by those living hand-to-mouth. These difficulties are meticulously conveyed through carefully crafted compositions, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges of modern life and the strength and resourcefulness of its inhabitants. The series vividly portrays evidence of life's struggles and daily activities in the overcrowded spaces in kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and laundry areas. Scenes of cleaning equipment and rubbish haphazardly collected under external stairs, twin letterboxes on a terrace building, bathroom paraphernalia, exposed timber beams, and corrugated iron roof all contribute to a poignant portrait of hardship and resilience.
A sense of unity is achieved using dark hues of raw sienna, olive greens, dirty yellows, and apricot tones, punctuated by pops of cobalt blue. The harsh light from a bare light bulb further enhances the mood. The painterly application features distinct brushstrokes and tonal control, resulting in a rich array of textures and surfaces. An air of excitement and uncertainty is captured through the unusual viewing angles—frontal, aerial, and oblique with the shifting scale. These elements accentuate the surreal yet profoundly real vistas. The series' inventiveness lies in its intriguing viewing angles. Each figure is painted with exceptional skill and empathy, encompassing respect and acceptance of peoples’ stoicism and ingenuity, while shedding light on living conditions. The title ‘Breathing Room’ offers a hint of ironic humour for places where space is at a premium. While the subject matter is undeniably bleak, there is also a prevailing sense of humanity, patience, and resilience.