Me, Myself and Monet - Helen Keen

Join us for the opening preview of a beautiful new exhibition from West Auckland artist Helen Keen.
6 to 8pm, Thursday 4 May at Mitchell Studios gallery, 15 Ganges Road, Khandallah, Wellington

Claude Monet described his Water Lilies series as “the illusion of an endless whole,” where, without a defining horizon or bank to enclose the waterscape, the floating patterns and imagery are able to drift and extend without barriers. Drawn to these meditative compositions and the natural environment, Helen Keen is in her very nature free flowing – exploring deeper layers and new possibilities while resisting rigid rules and boundaries.

In this exhibition, Me Myself and Monet, Helen creates her own interpretations of Monet’s Water Lilies in acrylic and discovers elements of Impressionism have found their way into her constantly evolving practice. Her latest floral series, made with ancient encaustic techniques, is painted in molten wax and blended with flame rather than by brush alone. Despite this dramatic change in method, echoes of Monet’s influence such as complex layered strokes, boundless compositions and refracting colour can be glimpsed in Helen Keen’s dreamy new works.

Originally an acclaimed ceramic artist, Helen Keen’s painting techniques emerged from this foundation. Developed over 35 years of arts practice, Keen manipulates texture using Encaustic Wax, mixed media, acrylic and oil, exploring abstraction, colour, gestures and mark making. Helen currently works from her home and studio in West Auckland.

"Encaustic wax is my passion… it’s an incredible material – not commonly used and made from beeswax and tree resin – it is unpredictable – which I love. The process is the ‘driver’ in my art practice – the unpredictability and nature of the wax and what happens during the heating stage underpins my interest to blend colours, create textures and expressions, reveal, cover and uncover, scratch and sgraffito, embed and transfer images and objects." Helen Keen

Can't make it to the Opening Preview on Thursday evening?
We are delighted that Helen will be joining us in the gallery from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th May. Stop by to meet this lovely artist and learn about her fascinating practice.

Me, Myself and Monet will remain on display until Saturday 27 May and be available to view on our website once the exhibition has commenced.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 3.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm.