Isabelle de Kleine

This work is part of Isabelle de Kleine’s solo exhibition 'World Was on Fire'. Says de Kleine of this work: “As it dawned over the red cliffs of Karijini, a new land was created. The figures sit in a state of contemplation and reliance, looking beyond into the distant land. The softness of expression is contrasted to the sharp fragmentation of they bodies. Segmented by distinctive shapes and colours distorting the realism and providing an alternative view into their figuration. Their bodies have been carried across the two panels creating unity and movement between the works, which has also been further exemplified through the continuation of the colour palette and stylisation.

“The artwork depicts a singular landscape that extends over two panels, yet on each panel the depiction of light changes the landscape significantly creating a sense of unity and division between the panels. This is also carried through in the display of the works, framed separately to amplify the division that exists in the work. The painting acts as an expression on the uniquity, and distortion of individual perspective and shifting worlds this creates. It is both a homage to a place of personal significance, as well as an exploration into the complexities of love and loss.”