Kiama Art Society

Exploring Texture in Abstract Painting –  Gitte Backhausen

There is a freedom in letting a painting evolve from play and curiosity, letting the process itself guide you. Gitte will share her approach to abstract painting and demonstrate ways to add texture to your artworks. Texture offer opportunities to create a range of different effects in your art and enrich your creative language. You will leave with new ideas to explore in your own art making, whether you are an abstract painter or more traditional in your approach, you will go home inspired to create in new ways. 

About Gitte

Gitte Backhausen is a Danish-born Australian artist living Gerringong on the NSW South Coast. With a strong interest in psychology and human behaviour, Backhausen’s work explores the subconscious mind. “To me art is freedom, it is a way of giving the subconscious a voice without the restrictions and demands of the mind.”

Backhausen has a strong connection to the abstract expressionist movement and also draws inspiration from Australian abstract landscape painters such as Elizabeth Cummings and Ann Thomson.  ‘I am a studio painter. However, I often draw inspiration from the world around me and allow this to come through, without forcing a specific outcome. I see my work as subconscious abstract landscapes that are free to form their own world throughout the process of creation. In the same way, they provide the viewer the freedom to imagine a world of their own in my work”.

Since moving to Australia in 2005, Backhausen’s work has continued to gain recognition: as a finalist in the Waverley Art Prize, judged by Tim Olsen; the Northern Beaches Art Prize; and the Blacktown City Art Prize. Her most recent solo exhibition was held at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery during February 2018. She has recently caught the eye of Rochfort Gallery, one of the newest and finest galleries in Sydney, where her work is part of several group exhibitions in 2018.  

You can see Gitte’s work here: www.gittebackhausen.art and on Instagram and Facebook @gittebackhausenart

A showcase of local works created by local artists, held on the second Sunday of each month. Artists are on hand working on new paintings and are available to answer questions and explain their paintings. Artworks can be purchased, with payments accepted in cash, cheque and credit card.

Held near the Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh Park.

Members can display and sell their work at Art in the Park, setting up their own paintings and tending to their display. A 20% commission applies to sales.