Saren Dobkins

Originally from Zambia

Lives & works in Tewantin, QLD, Australia

 

Artist Statement:

In my artistic practice, I navigate the fluid realms of intuition, employing minimalist forms and expressive brushwork, to sculpt narratives that resonate with both poignancy and contemporary relevance. The use of metaphors is an enduring vehicle in my work, informed by a play of language to ‘unpeel’ associations to engage a visual narrative that is both philosophical and ironic. Utilising oil paint and memory as my only reference, my figures are ‘unreal’, androgynous, dynamic, with colour used to evoke an emotional state.  Using tone and geometry, they are positioned in a simple yet constructed space, influenced by Giotto, Picasso and Francis Bacon. My intention is to examine the universal human conflict, between the fluid ‘inner’ world and the external demands of our society.

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Bio.

During her painting career which spans nearly 30 years, Saren has been committed to exploring an oeuvre that explores human dilemmas, interactions and desires. She has traveled extensively all her life, having lived in Zambia, Scotland, Israel and Australia which has given her an open, curious and empathetic perspective that is reflected in her work. Saren has pursued many different avenues of study, from the Arts to Design, Multimedia, Social Studies, Transformation Coaching and Permaculture.  These varying avenues of thought and literature have fed into her content, lending her work a highly contemporary and intellectual framework into which she weaves a personal commentary. Saren’s art career began as a sculptor and photographer, before turning to oil painting as she had no ‘studio’ in which to create and store her large steel works. She is a self-taught painter. Her work can be found in numerous private and public collections.  Her work can be interpreted from a narrative perspective that is expressive and philosophical.  A contemporary Australian painter, her work bold use of colour, strong dramatic forms, a sculptural weight to objects and the representation of the figure express her ongoing interest in exploring what it means to be human in our current times.