New Works by Michael Jeffery at Fleurieu arthouse
Award winning abstract artist Michael Jeffery is set to make a comeback with an exhibition of new works at Fleurieu Arthouse.
Michael Jeffery’s first exhibition in 2004 sold out before the gallery had even opened its doors and his works at the time, abstract landscapes centred in an urban or industrialised context, were shortly to gain national repute.
Through the use of dried acrylic paint skins overlaid with signage, brushstrokes and stencils, Michael’s large-scale works resonate with an energy that reflects his personal connection to urban environments and his feelings regarding the ways in which mankind responds to the natural world.
Opening on September 3rd, this new collection is the result of a period of change and learning during which Michael undertook a trade qualification in horticulture with Adelaide Botanic Gardens which culminated in work at Belair National Park.
Speaking about his new work, Michael said, “After the traineeship, I had been looking for something new in my art during this period and later began experimenting with more organic forms in my works’ aesthetic.”
The new pieces are still large-scale and there’s still that arresting appearance of naturally weathered surfaces which suggest the passage of time, but there’s a fresh, perhaps softer element too.
Sunrise (with Bird), Michael Jeffery 2021
Sacred geometry and a natural progression.
Michael’s interest in horticulture and the natural world has ushered in a new approach to the execution of his work and where previously he would cut and slice paint skins, achieving hard edges to the components, he now works in a more organic fashion, tearing and ripping the pieces before applying them to surfaces.
Clearly visible in the new works are signs of Michael’s deep interest in sacred geometry and quantum physics. He speaks of a desire to positively affect the observers’ wellbeing through the use of sacred geometry.
There has been a lot of press in recent years about the healing effects of art on people seeking to find peace and mindful presence through the act of creation, but Michael Jeffery turns this concept on its head and actually seeks to heal the observer through his work.
“ According to principles of sacred geometry, vibrational energies are emitted from certain symbols (such as healing, love, positivity) thereby influencing the surrounding environment and living organisms. Quantum physics states that everything in the universe has its own vibrational frequency which also affects other frequencies they come into contact with. Even thoughts emit a frequency.”
The spiral is one of the sacred symbols which feature in Michael’s new pieces and he found particular inspiration in a book called The Hidden Messages in Water written by Masaru Emoto.
The work discusses Emoto’s findings of the way in which sound, words, thoughts, intentions, etc, can alter the structure of water to either create or destroy its crystalline structures.
“Considering that our bodies are largely water, this is of particular interest in relation to one's health. My intention behind incorporating these symbols is to contribute to spreading a positive and healing energy to any space where the work is located.”
Exhibition opening September 3rd
Michael Jeffery’s new exhibition will open on September 3rd at Fleurieu Arthouse in Hardy’s Tintara 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale. Doors open at 2.00pm and the online catalogue will be available for viewing shortly.
Purchases may be made over the telephone or in person.
Phone: 87288 3095
Email hello@fleurieuarthouse.com.au