I attended the opening of Jos Myers' solo exhibition 'Catalyst' on Thursday night. Her exhibition was 'officially opened' by international singing star Tina Arena, who shared a personal insight into a friendship between the two that spans back some two decades. This is Myers' first solo show since 2007 and I can honestly say that the collection produced is exceptional. Myers has continued with her fashionable theme of Cottesloe Beach but has also included her - more recent - looser approach to painting, exploring themes of Yallingup, nesting birds, and the female nude. Interestingly Myers has included, for the first time, an international selection of memories, including her stay in Positano and an exceptional portrayal of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-54).
Myers, who is a seaside resident, creates beach scenes that are without doubt quintessentially Jos Myers and Western Australian. Her Cottesloe paintings which include 'The 'Old Boys' and 'Old Ducks' portray seasoned beach goers sporting their North Cott. Surf Club bathers and swimming caps, standing on the shoreline with the hays of summer surrounding them. From Cottesloe to Swanbourne Beach with the suntanned nudies, chatting amongst themselves in the heat of the day.
From here we see Myers' artistic landscape change. Her technique for the remaining themes becomes linear and her colour palette subdued. It is here we start to see the influence in her artwork of Artist Brett Whiteley (1939-92), as she adopts his avant-garde style of the landscape and nudes. Myers' linear approach of the female form is seductive and bold. There are not many women artist that I can recall who capture the female body in such a way that a woman's body becomes her muse. Myers does this beautifully. Advancing with her theme representing women, Myers powerfully interprets portraits of the internationally acclaimed artist Frida Kahlo. Kahlo often painted self-portraits using symbolism and vibrant colours to express herself, and Myers has done an excellent job in her representation of this incredibly dynamic woman.
Over the past 16 years I have had the pleasure of selling
Jos’ artwork. Her work is always in demand by my clients, whether a studio sale
or commissioning something special. Many of my clients and their families have
grown up with a little bit of Jos in their lives.
From her first solo exhibition, back in Perth, at Accent Galleries
in 1998, I have seen Jos' creative technique evolve and have been witness
to the challenges she has faced in pushing her creative journey. I have watched
as Jos has become an artist whose work commands respect and this body of work is no
exception. Jos Myers' art always leaves me with a little sense of excitement.
Contact me for all art sales and commission enquires of Jos' work.
