In the new exhibition by the Norman Rea Gallery we find the work of London artist Mark Azopardi with work of Scottish artist Judith Woolf. The strong connection is made possible by the common fascination for the natural world in general that combines the two artists.
We can see this attractive and particular interest in the pieces by Azopardi in the pure watercolour, Beach Finds. which brings together a collection of marine shells. Woolf’s photogram, Sea King, shows her enthusiasm for the details of nature. This consists of animals, vegetables, flowers and people, and offers all the striking and sometimes, unusual, nuances of nature. These shades are displayed in an order that challenge the viewer who can see the difference between the artist’s work. We can try to identify this comparison and diversity in the close-up photograph by Judith Woolf of a Sleeping Cupid statue, and in the naked bodies by Mark Azopardi. The photograph depicts the back and skin, which can be linked and analogous to the elephant skin that the artist perfectly studies and explores like a real texture, making these works connected through analysis. They almost seem to be the same subject.
Moreover, the materiality produced by these paintings, prints, photos and drawings creates a tactile experience that follows the spectator during the whole exhibition. In fact, one of the most wonderful and outstanding features of nature is its power, that succedes in activating all of our five senses. This particularly relates to touch and a sense of smell, but the viewer could nearly taste nature by just viewing these works.
Alice Previtali
Mark Azopardi, Beach Finds, Watercolour.
Judith Woolf, Sleeping Cupid, Photograph.