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Australian Art
Art Review - Of Beauty Rich and Rare
Exhibition of Sculptures and Paintings by Sara Bowers
By Vasa Carapic - November 5, 2007

MELBOURNE - American born, Australian artist Sara Bowers shows the powrful work of abstract paintings and unusual sculpture using Australian nature as the inspiration for both. In her first solo exhibition Bowers is able to demonstrate her artistic talent in full; it is no suprise that she has been dubbed by some as Melbourne's most promising emerging artist.

The exhibition is a collection of paintings, works on paper, carved sculpture in indigenous stone and timber, and 'illumination sculptures' presenting light fittings created from natural objects she has found.

Myra Mero once wrote of her work: "Emanates an essence that is both raw and refined. Her use of light, form and shadow are representative of the formidable uniqueness of the Australian landscape. Focusing on the intricacies of forest floors, and with attention to the changes and effects of weather, time, and seasons, Bowers makes deliberate use of both biomorphic and linear shapes to emulate nature’s response to survival."

Combining geometric shapes with organic forms and materials, her work responds to the balance of urban and rural, it displays the fragility of death with the abundance of life. Says Bowers, "I am fascinated by the processes of germination, growth and decay, specifically in regards to Australian plants and animals. In turn, this draws me to the study of minutiae (seed pods, shell structures, bone segments), which often visually display these forces in patterns of cell-like rhythms and undulating gridworks across their surfaces. This exhibition is an examination of the perfect casual chaos at work within nature”. Recent works have also addressed environmental concerns in relation to consumerism, sustainability and the misuse of resources.

Born 1978 Portland Oregon, USA, Bowers has exhibited her work in Seattle since 2000, upon arriving to Australia in 2003 she started to show her work in number of galleries in Melbourne. The highlight of her studies was her trip to France and Italy where she undertook European study program in Italy and France focusing on art, culture and architecture.

Sara Bowers is a professional designer and her extensive study of photograhy has assisted her with the understanding of shapes, lights... for her fine art. Her abstract work is dramatic and peaceful at the same time. It is a reflection of unusual surface material that comes alive. The combination of colours are well chosen and they fit perfectly into the large canvases of her art portraying the natural beauty, rarety and richness of Australia.
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Overview of Bowers' Art
By Myra Mero - September 2007

Sara Bowers’ art emanates an essence that is both raw and refined.

The duality of life is a common motif expressed in all mediums of Bowers’ contemporary work. Though inspired by the Australian landscape, her content is intensely rooted in emotion and intellect. Her works are predominantly fluid in movement as if to signify life’s force, but then countered with a disruption of color, texture and intensity that speaks of struggle and emotional extremes. Through the contrasting elements of variety and harmony Bowers illustrates both the sensibility of serenity and of pain.

With attention to the subtleties of color and shadow, Bower’s work is frequently impacted with a sensitivity to illumination. Her use of light, form and shadow is representative of the qualities of nature that occur uniquely in the Australian landscape. “Using a subject matter of parched, barren lands and attention to the changes and effects of weather, time, and seasons, Bowers makes deliberate use of both biomorphic and linear shapes to emulate nature’s response to survival. In part, being met with ease and at its opposite spectrum, searching for an escape. This duality is apparent as a representational metaphor of her personal perseverance and reflections on inner growth, release and resilience.

In spite of any literal or figurative darkness, Bowers always maintains a sentiment of beauty and hope through her use of repetitive rhythms and prevalent softness. Light shines on her darkest canvas. Shapes playfully compete for space. Analogous colors offer an exploration in sensuality. Part serene dance. Part fleeting anguish. Pure expression.