Kylie Fogarty
Canberra, Australia
Multidisciplinary artist exploring the sublime in nature’s landscape through her drawing lead practice.
Message
b. 1974, Australia
Kylie Fogarty, Australian artist who explores the wonder of life through her drawing lead practice.
Connecting to the sublime in nature’s landscape, Kylie embraces the organic flow of medium and gestural movement, evoking the sense of the poetry she sees in the world.
Known for her atmospheric response to time and place, her signature line work and expressive marks serve as a narration on the ever-changing natural world we share.
A love of the timeless nature of archival inks hand drawn on luscious fine art papers and exquisite linen canvas, Fogarty embraces traditional drawing tools of calligraphy nib pens which complement experimentation of various drawing tools and medium, oil sticks and limited brush work.
Paramount to the process, periods of quiet contemplation during the evolution of the piece are often threaded throughout. Months of reflection on connection to subject and felt experience is often embedded in the creation story of each work.
Exhibiting regularly across Australia and Internationally, Kylie has been recognised as a finalist and invited artist in the Kedumba Drawing Award 2023 & 2020, Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize, Grace Cossington Smith Art Award, and the Lynn McCrae Memorial Drawing Prize.
Her works are housed in many collections, both public and private including being archived in the National Gallery of Australia in the Animalia International Print Exchange 2013, 2015 and 2017.
Statement
These works are an exploration of the poetry that I find in the world.
I feel a great connection to the ever changing natural world that we all share. Finding a sense of wonder in time and moment, I want to explore these moments, to find unexpected discoveries along the way.
I enjoy a drawing lead art practice. Drawing has been my constant companion throughout my life, my individualised second language that has developed over time. As I place nib to paper, I get lost within the process of creation, connecting to the subject through line work and mark making.
From the sophistication of a single line drawing, to textured, complex works, an organic process allowing the line to flow and evolve, at times resting with concentrated focus in areas, enjoying quiet contemplation.
This is joy. Unexpected discoveries reveal themselves in the most wonderful way.
A tool for interpretation of my daily occurrences, drawing is an anchor, naturally incorporated into each of my artwork.
Although I do enjoy use of experimenting with various mediums, it is the use of oils and inks that holds my attention.
Timeless and classic, the use of calligraphy nib pens and liquid archival inks constantly intrigue me, constantly delight me and most of all constantly challenge the journey of each piece.
Indelible marks pause time, invite consideration of their purpose, remind me to not take things for granted and invite reflection of each moment along the way.
Revisiting past hikes in the mountains, treks through the rainforest and long walks, I am often transported back to discoveries when exploring the diverse ecosystems of Bundjalung National Park and Nightcap National Park around the Northern NSW area of Australia. Each expressive mark pause time, highlighting moments to be cherished. Mood and atmosphere alternate between the dramatic and serene, a factor which is enhanced when working in tone and the responsive nature of the medium of ink.
Time taken to explore these areas have led to a recognition of the importance to pause amongst the demands of life. I find connection with the unexpected, each mark references a moment on a hiking trail or long swept treks. A new birdsong heard for the first time, a blissful wisp of air on a humid day, or a special species of a tree discovered for the first time.
These works invite the viewer to contemplate the wonder of nature and all it entails, encouraging intrigue and curiosity to explore.