Lesley Dickman, Stilt Walkers, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 138 x 138cm. Courtesy: the artist and Tacit Art, Melbourne.

Flight expresses Lesley Dickman‘s continuing interest in the figure in motion as it intersects with a study of early painters such as Goya and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. There are elements in some works of what she call ‘in the moment’, seen when a quizzical glance is exchanged between figures passing by, humorous moments, a conversation or an elevation in dance that can only be captured at a fleeting moment. Unlike the felt response to abstract art, working with the figure nearly always includes a narrative. Flight leaves the narrative open to interpretation, allowing the audience free to create their own stories.

Learning ballet for ten years as a child, Dickman experienced a joy and freedom of expression through the body that was both expansive and primitive. She has attempted to capture that experience by imagining the movement itself and reliving the feeling of exaltation as she draws and paints. Flight is a response to that sense of freedom. It is a response to where we are now as women physically shake off the shackles of restraint in many of the contested areas that have over centuries traditionally belonged to men. There is a dichotomy, however, in that the long dresses belonging to a past era while restricting movement also helps to exaggerate it – the soft fabric of their billowing skirts and dresses rise and wrap and fold around the figure.

Revisiting artists such as Goya and Bruegel with a feast of amazing figurative narratives extracted from the barbaric cruelty of war, historic biblical narratives and social setting of the times was an encouraging resource and inspiration. Of particular interest was the beautiful colour relationships, figures in pastel colour often emerging out of darkness. Using fast drying acrylic paint on canvas as the medium allowed Dickman to work quickly – her gestural brushstrokes and layering of paint helping bring the paintings to life.

Opening Event: Wednesday 13 September, 6.30 – 8pm.

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