Gene A’Hern, Sky Sonnet, 2024. Wool and ink on monks cloth, 197 x 250cm. Photo: Laura Moore. Courtesy: the artist and Cassandra Bird, Sydney.

Cassandra Bird presents a solo exhibition by artist Gene A’Hern titled The Storm that Grew Us, showcasing an exciting collection of new work that intertwines layers of vibrant colour with paint, yarn, acrylics, and pastel, weaving a poetic narrative that resonates with nature.

Having exhibited internationally, this presentation stands out as a landmark occasion in the artist’s trajectory, returning home to exhibit within his region of Sydney.

A’Hern’s artistic expression delves into the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world while navigating between contemporary abstraction and figurative realms. The exhibition’s thematic exploration manifests through gestural mark-making that reveal familiar elements from A’Hern’s everyday environment: ranging from the majestic blue peaks of mountains to the gentle rhythm of rain, sky and bushland. Central to the collection of works are the rich hues of deep greens, stony greys, and peaty browns, evoking the essence of natural landscapes.

The tactile allure of the exhibition unfolds as blossoms emerge from ethereal washes in expansive textile works. The harmonious and dramatic interplay between abstract and figurative elements, vibrant yellows juxtaposed with warm purples, and the interaction of shadows and light, transcend the boundaries of a fixed horizon marking notable features throughout the exhibition. A’Hern’s unique visual approach creates expressive artworks that not only capture depth and movement but also convey a poetic representation of spatial and atmospheric nuances.

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