kathryn pender artwork....
In the summer of 2004, the Burrell Collection in Glasgow staged an 8 month long exhibition titled 'One Million Days in China'. This was to display some of their huge range of Chinese artefacts, usually in storage due to space limitaions.
To accompany the exhibition, I was commissioned to paint 8 small paintings for the museum shop, in response to some of the key artefacts in the show. On researching the history of the objects, and invaluabe information from the curator, I chose the objects whose stories were most interesting to me.
This neolithic jade disc attracted me with its shape and texture, and the fact its purpose remains ambiguous-apparently it could have been used for the purposes of astronomy, ritual or warfare.
T,he abstract meaning merged with the textures on the jade, allowed me the freedom to experiment and expand the object onto the canvas.
This characters ferocity comes from its purpose as a guardian tile, placed on the roofs of houses to ward off evil spirits. With its bold colors, and expressive face, I simply wanted to underline his character and energy in this painting.
To view larger pictures, click on the images.....
For more information on the 'One Million Days in China' exhibition, click here for the Burrel Collection homepage.