REVIEW: ‘Uncanny’ at Chrissie Cotter Gallery

BY SWAGATALAKSHMI ROYCHOWDURY

The Uncanny exhibition by Kirsten Drewes and Elizabeth Rankin, which raises important questions about gender, is currently on display at the Inner West Council’s Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown.

Throughout the exhibition Drewes and Rankin use the technique of ‘peinture feminine‘ to create an uncanny space. The works are spaced out in absurdity throughout the Chrissie Cotter Gallery. The feelings of confusion this provides translates metaphorically to represent the crime scene of the historical murder of Linda Agostini in Melbourne, a case which Rankin examined in her doctoral research. The dull, lifeless strokes aim to bring the memory of those murdered to life. The paintings remind us of the male gaze women are subjected to every day of their lives.

Rankin’s works draw upon theories of intersectional feminism to give agency to women affected by assaults and violent crimes. The artworks have an air of stirring, haunting voice of the murdered.

The sculptures created by Drewes are spooky and surrealistic. She ties in concepts of Freudian psychoanalysis and contemporary soft sculptures. The sculptures are oddly humourous and eerie at the same time.

However, their works fail to reignite audience interest with familiar themes. The works are strangely disconnected, hollow, and incomplete. Perhaps more works could have been created to tie them together.

Until Apr 10. Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Pidcock Street, Camperdown. Info: www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au