Nic Mason - Text & Catalogues
Nicola Mason’s ‘Paintings within Paintings', Project Gallery 90, 27 May - 9 June 2021
With a background in ecological sciences, Nicola Mason likes to observe how nature and culture coalesce. Mason’s self-confessed tendency to anthropomorphize is apparent in her rendering of domestic and everyday objects as she creates dream-like scenes in which interiors meet landscapes. An unusual dimension reveals itself as previous paintings by the artist are reproduced and inserted into her compositions throughout her new exhibition ‘Paintings within Paintings’.
In this body of work, armchairs and suitcases often take on the qualities of what would otherwise be the ‘sitter’ in Mason’s constructed scenes. Pieces of furniture hold their place, almost exerting a personality as they create conversations and tensions between the other objects within the works and the viewer is invited to interpret this discourse.
Mason’s residency at the Centre d’Art Marnay Art Centre (CAMAC), France in 2017 drew her attention to the work of French painter Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761-1845) and the technique attributed to him known as ‘trompe l’oeil’ (named after a painting he submitted to the Paris Salon in 1800), which translates as ‘optical illusion’ but is known generally as the use of realism to trick the viewer into thinking that the life-like objects painted on a canvas are really there.
During the CAMAC residency, Mason also became aware of the technique ‘mise en abyme’ - a copy of a painting within the same painting. Beginning with a mistletoe branch that she set up in a frame on a wall, Mason created paintings that would become the source of her ongoing investigations into the looping effect created when depicting images within another image. In Mason’s 2019 Honours Research Report, ‘Presence’, she refers to her interest in ‘playing with ambiguity and perceived binaries’ and describes Australian artist Jude Rae as a continued source of inspiration for Mason’s painterly use of domestic objects to explore those themes.
In her multi-planed and slightly eerie ‘Paintings within Paintings’, she reflects on previous works, forced to re-engage with a fresh perspective as she renders those paintings once more in a new work, sometimes in multiples and with minor changes. Mason observes that ‘By referencing older paintings of mine in a new work, new dialogues have emerged.’
Mason’s canvases are visited by the recurring motif of spirit animals, while trees, branches and roots stretch themselves out like hands and doll like figures stare blankly, making it hard to know if the viewer is part of a dream or a nightmare. Suitcases suggest that they are packing themselves up and going somewhere, but we all know that thanks to COVID 19, that is not going to happen!
Most of us have been forced to stay home for longer periods than usual through 2020-2021, reflecting on our own domesticity and interior worlds, only dreaming of the places we might rather be and there is a sense of something haunting, a subtle trauma that runs through these works, which adds to their mystery. A looming threat of change and movement lives alongside the stillness of Mason’s staged scenes, possibly a reflection of the difficulties of the past year or more that the world has endured. It was during this period after all, that these ‘Paintings within Paintings’ were produced as part of Mason’s ‘HOME’ residency, funded by Create NSW through Orana Arts.
It is felicitous that Mason’s investigations led her to revisit and experiment with her past works, her domestic world and the colliding points of interiors and landscapes to produce this exhibition, a timely collection of inner journeying that viewers can share.
Rebecca Wilson
Painter: The Kate Kelly Collection, Myth-Making, Heroes and Villains, Australianism
Author: Kate Kelly, Allen & Unwin 2021
M.A Fine Art, College of Fine Art, UNSW
B.A Fine Arts, National Art School
With a background in ecological sciences, Nicola Mason likes to observe how nature and culture coalesce. Mason’s self-confessed tendency to anthropomorphize is apparent in her rendering of domestic and everyday objects as she creates dream-like scenes in which interiors meet landscapes. An unusual dimension reveals itself as previous paintings by the artist are reproduced and inserted into her compositions throughout her new exhibition ‘Paintings within Paintings’.
In this body of work, armchairs and suitcases often take on the qualities of what would otherwise be the ‘sitter’ in Mason’s constructed scenes. Pieces of furniture hold their place, almost exerting a personality as they create conversations and tensions between the other objects within the works and the viewer is invited to interpret this discourse.
Mason’s residency at the Centre d’Art Marnay Art Centre (CAMAC), France in 2017 drew her attention to the work of French painter Louis-Léopold Boilly (1761-1845) and the technique attributed to him known as ‘trompe l’oeil’ (named after a painting he submitted to the Paris Salon in 1800), which translates as ‘optical illusion’ but is known generally as the use of realism to trick the viewer into thinking that the life-like objects painted on a canvas are really there.
During the CAMAC residency, Mason also became aware of the technique ‘mise en abyme’ - a copy of a painting within the same painting. Beginning with a mistletoe branch that she set up in a frame on a wall, Mason created paintings that would become the source of her ongoing investigations into the looping effect created when depicting images within another image. In Mason’s 2019 Honours Research Report, ‘Presence’, she refers to her interest in ‘playing with ambiguity and perceived binaries’ and describes Australian artist Jude Rae as a continued source of inspiration for Mason’s painterly use of domestic objects to explore those themes.
In her multi-planed and slightly eerie ‘Paintings within Paintings’, she reflects on previous works, forced to re-engage with a fresh perspective as she renders those paintings once more in a new work, sometimes in multiples and with minor changes. Mason observes that ‘By referencing older paintings of mine in a new work, new dialogues have emerged.’
Mason’s canvases are visited by the recurring motif of spirit animals, while trees, branches and roots stretch themselves out like hands and doll like figures stare blankly, making it hard to know if the viewer is part of a dream or a nightmare. Suitcases suggest that they are packing themselves up and going somewhere, but we all know that thanks to COVID 19, that is not going to happen!
Most of us have been forced to stay home for longer periods than usual through 2020-2021, reflecting on our own domesticity and interior worlds, only dreaming of the places we might rather be and there is a sense of something haunting, a subtle trauma that runs through these works, which adds to their mystery. A looming threat of change and movement lives alongside the stillness of Mason’s staged scenes, possibly a reflection of the difficulties of the past year or more that the world has endured. It was during this period after all, that these ‘Paintings within Paintings’ were produced as part of Mason’s ‘HOME’ residency, funded by Create NSW through Orana Arts.
It is felicitous that Mason’s investigations led her to revisit and experiment with her past works, her domestic world and the colliding points of interiors and landscapes to produce this exhibition, a timely collection of inner journeying that viewers can share.
Rebecca Wilson
Painter: The Kate Kelly Collection, Myth-Making, Heroes and Villains, Australianism
Author: Kate Kelly, Allen & Unwin 2021
M.A Fine Art, College of Fine Art, UNSW
B.A Fine Arts, National Art School
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Nic Mason's Home residency program was proudly funded by the NSW Government through Arts Restart via Orana Arts Inc.
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Links to other texts ...
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ARTICLE
Western Advocate 30 September 2021 |
Sam Bolt
Bathurst Art Fair to be held online for the first time in November " ... "Artistry is all about communication and being human, and these fairs are a great way to connect with the community and tell local stories, Ms Mason said." Source: https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/7451672/biennial-bathurst-art-fair-to-return-november-in-an-online-first/ |
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ARTICLE
Sydney Morning Herald + John McDonald, blog 6 June 2021 |
John McDonald, Salon des Refusés 2021
"... Finally, this year’s award for best title goes to Nic Mason for Questioning landscape with a pouffe. Before you ring the S.H.Ervin in indignation please check the spelling." Source: www.johnmcdonald.net.au/2021/salon-des-refuses-2021/ |
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EXHIBITION & SYMPOSIUM CATALOGUE & PROGRAM
Listening in the Anthropocene, Creative Practice Circle, Charles Sturt University 27 - 28 August 2020 |
The online Listening in the Anthropocene exhibition will be officially launched by Mandy Martin at 6pm on Thursday August 27, 2020 via Zoom webinar. The artists are Bärbel Ulrich, Claire Baker, David Sargent, Donna Caffrey, Jack Randell, Jacquie O’Reilly, Jan Osmotherly, Jen Bervin, Jenni Munday, Justy Phillips, Karen Golland, Linda Fish, Lisa Roberts, Leanne Lovegrove, Louisa Waters, Marg Leddin, Margaret Woodward, Michelle O’Connor, Nicola Mason, Nicole Welch, Perdita Phillips, River Yarners, Ted Hendrickson, Tracy Sorensen and Wendy Alexander.
This will be followed by the launch of the next three Lost Rocks (2017-21) fictiōnellas with Margaret Woodward: Red Sandstone by Caroline Loewen, Granite by Helena Demczuk and Copper by Catherine Evans. Exhibition items curated by The Creative Practice Circle. Online space designed and compiled by Tracy Sorensen. |
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ARTICLE
Western Advocate 18 August 2020 |
Steven Cavanagh, Arts Outwest
Introducing six creative identities in the Bathurst region ... Meg Allan ... Lino Alvarez ... Will Hazzard ... Amala Groom ... Stephen Hogan ... Nicola Mason ... ' ... Nic Mason is a painter whose art practice is anchored in her background I ecological sciences and a rich domestic life ...' Source: www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/6883072/the-arts-introducing-six-creative-identities-in-the-bathurst-region/ |
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EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
Project Gallery 90 Still Home, Nic Mason also featuring works by Alison Mackay August 2020 |
Artist Statement
" ... Through the placement of a chair, an open door, a light filled window or a darkened room the viewer is invited to imagine something more." |
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EXHIBITION CATALOGUE
Project Gallery 90 Still and Within, works by Alison Mackay & Nic Mason |
Artist's Statement
" ‘Still and Within’ includes both interiors and still life paintings by Alison Mackay and Nic Mason. The title references the actuality of these works, but also hints at an introspective mindset integral to the painting process – a focused and internalised headspace found in the artist’s studio ..." |
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INTERVIEW
Orana Arts May 2019 |
Portia Lyndsay, Orana Arts, Nic Mason and Art of Threatened Species 2019
' ... I think both scientists and artists are dedicated to asking big questions and seeking ways forward. I hope some insight is to be gained from these collaborations; that the project leads to further collaborations; and that the exhibition from this project gets an opportunity to talk with many others in heading far and wide.' |
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Catherine Atkinson, Education Specialist, CSIRO
'In this stunning collection of paintings, Nic Mason ponders the impact of interlopers on the Australian landscape. Since European colonisation, Australia has experienced a devastating loss of wildlife species. Introduced species have been implicated in almost all mammal extinctions during this time and continue to wreak havoc with Australia’s unique threatened species. In her elegant compositions, Nic focuses our attention on this calamity with sensitivity, compassion, and a touch of her trademark wit ...' |
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ARTICLE
Western Advocate 21 February 2017 |
Maryanne Jacques, Arts Outwest - Exhibition showcases Nic's major passions
'BATHURST artist Nic Mason’s long background in conservation management combines beautifully with her great skill as a painter ...' Source: Western Advocate online www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4482148/exhibition-showcases-nics-major-passions/ |
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ARTICLE
Bathurst City Life February 16 - 22 2017 |
t.arting up the STILLness
'... she has been closely studying the skulls of protected, threatened and introduced animals to the Australian landscape and delving deep into the traditions of still life painting ...' Source: Bathurst City Life February 16 - 22 2017 |
Nic Mason, Dave Noble 2016, oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm
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JUDGES COMMENTS
Blackheath Art Prize, Blackheath Art Society 2016 ARTIST STATEMENT
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Matthew Lyn – Judge awarding Highly Commended in the Blackheath Art Prize 2016 for Nic Mason's painting Dave Noble (this work also received the People's Choice Award)
"One of the hardest things in portraiture is to make the subject convincing, I mean really convincing! A beautiful accumulation of varied marks that nevertheless have the sensitivity to all speak together, whilst retaining the wildness and breath of the experience of making this through the action of one’s own body." Source: Blackheath Art Society website blackheathart.com/prizewinners-2/ Artist Statement - Nic Mason
Dave Noble has spent a lifetime exploring the Blue Mountains Region. He has climbed through hundreds of canyons that very few people have ventured into. In 1994 whilst walking remotely in Wollemi National Park he stumbled across a stand of unusual trees. The sample he took started a quest of discovery and the botanical find of the century. It is the story of the Wollemi Pine and a view back to life one hundred million years ago. He works as a national parks ranger. Nic Mason has known him through this work setting for over 10 years. |
Nic Mason, Sharon Riley 2016, oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm, private collection
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ARTIST STATEMENT
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Artist Statement - Nic Mason
Sharon Riley is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up and lives with family, in her Country in the Lithgow area. She is passionate about her culture and her obligations to care for her country ~ land, water and stories of Country. She works as an Aboriginal Heritage Conservation Officer in national parks. Nic Mason has known her through this work setting for over 10 years. |
Nic Mason, Dorothy Ethel Healy 2016, oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm, private collection
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COLLECTORS COMMENTS
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J Healy - Collector, Queensland, Australia
"I can't thank you enough. You're an amazing artist and have done an outstanding job of bringing my grandma to life. I have cried, smiled, laughed and even talked to this piece - I love it." |
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EXHIBITION CATALOGUE & CATALOGUE ESSAY
Cowra Regional Art Gallery, WILD, Nic Mason 2016 |
Tracy Sorensen - Writer of the 'Wild' catalogue essay, Cowra Regional Art Gallery, 2016
"... The beauty amidst the not-quite-right lies at the heart of Nic Mason's paintings. Her work is infused with a deep knowledge of the Australian bush, knowledge gained through a childhood of intent observation and drawing and an adult life working in the field of conservation management ..." Brian Langer, Cowra Regional Art Gallery, 2016 "... WILD is the first substantial body of work shown by Nic Mason since she began painting in oils only five years ago. This solo exhibition not only references Mason’s long background in conservation it is also a personal journey that reveals a visual language developed over time and inspired by the natural environment, and the Australian landscape especially around The Blue Mountains and west of the Great Dividing Range ..." Source: Cowra Regional Art Gallery WILD Nic Mason catalogue / website cowraartgallery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/nic-mason-catalogue1.pdf |
Nic Mason, Fox and numbat 2015 oil on canvas, 76 x 76cm, private collection
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ARTICLE
Molong Online 29 March 2016 |
New Cowra Gallery exhibitions reflect Australian landscape and figurative art
"... Narrative and symbolism are integral to this work, where Mason plays with the rendering of animal masks and her recurring red bag ..." Source: Molong Online website molong.com.au/art/news/2016/03_16/cowra/cowra.html |
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ARTICLE
Central NSW Discover magazine April 2016 |
Wild and shared interests in art
"... Nic Mason's exhibition also includes two large portraits of work colleagues, Sharon Riley and Dave Noble, whom she has both known for over 10 years. She painted Riley and Noble as they have a deep connection and passion for the land ..." Source: Central NSW Discover magazine, April 2016, Wild and shared interests in art |
Nic Mason, Caitlin, oil on canvas, 100 cm x 75 cm, private Collection
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JUDGES COMMENTS
Central West Regional Art Award, Cowra Regional Art Gallery 2015 |
Dr Andrew Frost - Judge awarding winner of the Central West Regional Art Award 2015, Cowra Regional Art Gallery for my work Caitlin
"Nic Mason's Caitlin is a quietly powerful portrait of the Artist's daughter. Mason has used a number of techniques in creating the picture that ultimately work together. Although there is a temptation for such pictures to verge on the sentimental, Mason has chosen to give her portrait a sense of realism with the rendering of the subject's hair and the dark shadows under the eyes. Mason's painting also came from a strong selection of work by regional artists." Source: Cowra Regional Art Gallery website cowraartgallery.com.au/2015-calleen-art-award-and-central-west-regional-art-award-winners-announced |
Nic Mason, Reflection at Everglades, oil on canvas, 25 cm x 50 cm, private collection
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JUDGES COMMENTS
Blackheath Art Prize, Blackheath Art Society 2011 |
Robert Malherbe and Matthew Lyn – Judges awarding 2nd Prize in the Blackheath Art Prize 2011 for the work, Nic Mason, Reflection at Everglades
"A quiet and intense picture, showing a well known place in a completely different light. A moody awkward composition that resolves itself wonderfully with a quiet drama." Source: Blackheath Art Society website 2011 |