Pondering the art of Shireen Malamoo

The exhibition is diverse, as one would expect, in its exploration of theme. There is the postcard introduction of ‘Plantation Creek’, exhibited full-size at the entry point, leading to a powerful and searing trilogy of definitive works (‘Stoic’, ‘Nothing in common other than a respect for ritual’, ‘Redfern women of uncommon grace’). One is immediately invited into a world of inner vision which is both stunning and without compromise. The challenge is to allow the surface of life to be torn away and simply to be still before the sacred.

To those who look upon these works through the prism of Judeo-Christianity, there is something very arresting here: a non-dualistic depiction of the incarnational. There is no purity of spirit without flesh – only the flesh that is the bearer of spirit, where neither is compromised.

Themes make their appearance: purity’s place is ritual. A flash of light breaks through in moments of communal celebration. But its true home is not there. It is in the deep places of everywhere. Always present. It is the ‘Unknowable’ (a series of four) and cannot be apprehended, except by belief. We are led into it (as we need) and shown a representation (as if by mercy).

The ubiquity of the sacred is deeper than Western society generally allows. The bookend work, perhaps the more arresting because it contradicts our familiar sight, is dark, and emanates a sense of suppressed hope. In this apparent darkness is present ‘The Spirit People’.

Two of the works warrant special mention. The everywhere-ness of the sacred is perhaps nowhere more in need of acknowledgement than in the vulnerability of ‘Family Life’. It is here too. The other work, perhaps destined to take wider prominence is the large and bold canvas, ‘Renaissance’.

The work brings to mind both Brett Whiteley – particularly the expansive simplicity of Sydney Harbour – and Jackson Pollock. There is an energy here, born of natural source and majestic striving from within.

May these works inspire and generate a renaissance for both those who ponder and those for whom the Spirit People are no strangers.

The exhibition was held is at the Washhouse Gallery, 711 Darling Street, Rozelle (one block west of Victoria Road). June 19-21. Shireen Malamoo can be contacted on 9699 2425.

Photo: Andrew Collis - ‘Connection with country and ritual’ by Shireen Malamoo

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au