Breaking boundaries with paint and sound

THE latest exhibition at Art Space Ballarat is showcasing a first-time collaboration combining painting and music.

Titled Liberated Abstractions, the show features 13 acrylic pieces by artist Patsy Taylor and sound accompaniment by Justin Butler.

Taylor has a decade-long background in abstract work, and said the exhibition serves as a celebration of female artists and a natural continuation of her style.

“The name came from trying to remember the title of a New York exhibition celebrating women abstract artists,” she said.

“So, it ties in with the women’s liberation movement, and in my art practice where I’ve always focused on trying to become more and more free with what I do.

“It’s a continual loosening from representational constraints. Things like patterns and rhythm. It’s about freedom of expression and I hope that transpires in the work.”

Butler’s sound design will be present throughout the exhibition, composed of about six pre-recorded pieces of electro-acoustic music.

An abstract sound and art workshop will take place at the exhibition on Saturday, 24 September where attendees are invited to bring their equipment and join in the creation.

In making his pieces for the display, Butler said his and Taylor’s artistic styles have a lot in common.

“I come from an improvisational background and I can see a direct correlation with this type of work,” he said.

“The pieces I’ve created for this have both abstract and non-abstract elements. There’s drums and field recordings and manipulated electronic sounds.

“And for the workshop part of it, there’ll be a number of samplers, synthesisers, reel-to-reel tapes, so everyone can come along and add to it.”

The exhibition will run until Sunday, 2 October.