Primal | Janice Gobey

In a world besieged by economic uncertainty, environmental degradation, diminishing resources and inequality, the rising anger is palpable. And in response, perhaps, to the disharmony we as a global people live in, the world's transcendental harmony is depleting.

These are times of political, social and environmental instability. So much is changing and shifting. As we see movements like #MeToo and other changes, there has also been the rise of toxic masculinity. Janice Gobey grew up in a dysfunctional family, when there was chaos and instability at home, she turned to her stuffed animals and pets for comfort, this led to a life-long love of animals and furry things. In this body of work, Gobey has juxtaposed childhood memories with her current fears. Alternating between being beautiful and disturbing, the work weaves between realism and more abstract mark making.

Exploring a rich fantasy world, Gobey often paints from her imagination, creating spaces that only exist in her mind. Like traces from a crime scene, the viewer can piece together clues and create their own narrative.

"In a world that is increasingly disconnected and alienating, I am interested in connecting with the viewer, giving them the opportunity to sense the emotions of the human and animal subjects in my paintings, to feel the tactile qualities of fur and drapery."

Janice Gobey is a Melbourne-based artist who has completed a number of international artist residencies and has worked and exhibited extensively overseas.