DSC01321.JPG [5/36] Title: Jill Kempson Exhibition Opening 23 May 2004 Galerie Dusseldorf Event: Opening Pictures Event Date: 23/5/04 Author: Galerie Düsseldorf Perth Western Australia Copyright: Jill Kempson / Galerie Dusseldorf Location: Mosman Park City: Perth State: Western Australia Country: Australia URL: http://www.galeriedusseldorf.com.au Caption: Jill Kempson Remain in Light Recent Paintings and Drawings Opening Pictures Sunday 23 May 2004 Exhibition dates : 23 May - 13 June 2004 Galerie Düsseldorf http://www.galeriedusseldorf.com.au In this exhibition Western Australian artist Jill Kempson is showing an exciting new body of paintings, based on her research done at Monsieur Beres's collection and bookshop in Paris. Monsieur Beres possesses some of the most sought after books and old manuscripts in Europe. Jill was able to make notes and drawings in Beres's bookshop over a six week period in September 2001. Resulting from this time in Paris Jill has produced a unique collection of works. Remain in Light reflects her fascination with light and is shaped around a collection of works on canvas and books. The latter, a meticulously hand painted series of images on books, make reference to early Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Medieval and Renaissance periods yet are contemporary at the same time. Tiny oil paintings inserted into books play upon the notion of fiction and history and text itself, yet manage to evoke a sense of sacred space. On show also, are larger works on canvas of urban Paris, interiors and landscapes from the south of France. Jill has been developing her ability in using paint to depict the effects of light. By reducing the colour range and concentrating on tonal qualities, she has been able to create paintings that engage the viewer in distilled moments of time - a certain tranquility, subtlety and mystery that she sees in the world around her. Jill received funding from ArtsWa for her research at M. Beres's bookshop. Eugéne Atget Series Eugene Atget was a photographer of Old Paris between 1897 and 1927. "His work is regarded as the bridge between 19th century topographic photography and the so-called art documentary of the 20th century". In the Atget series I used his photography as a reference for these images. I was attracted by their subtle tonalities and the elusive moods they capture. Also I discovered that he intended his photographs to be used by artists as studies for their work. On his door was a sign saying "Documents Pour Artistes". In painting these works I felt I was somehow honoring his intention 100 years later.