Faculty of Art

Criticism and Curatorial Practice

Katarina Holbrough

Gerda, Mama

3 x 4' Oil, Acrylic, Giclée Print Photography, and Thread on Canvas

“I’m collaging different moments in time to create a scattered and suspended reality between each separate memory. A family member or group of family members gathered together to talk about the family photos and the people in them, telling stories and memories. Each conversation is transcribed on the back of the work, holding space for those memories. I use these stories/memories and turn the black and white figures into a full-colour oil painting with the contemporary photo sewn into the landscape is black and white. This flip of expectations, old vs new, is used to create its own space outside of expectations. Hung from the ceiling, freely able to move with the environment; referencing hung tapestry. Textiles have played a huge part in generational knowledge transfer, carrying stories, holding deep traditions, and healing relationships.The thread holding the figure and photo together extends from the seams, falling on the floor below. This thread extends forward toward the cut-out canvas, taking on the shape of the figure. Forming a form of shadow of the figure extends toward the audience. With this, the figure extends from the liminal space and occupies the present and tangible space where the audience exists. The process of gathering these stories was very important to the process of the painting. Ultimately, with this series, I was aiming to create stronger connections to my community and grow a deeper understanding between family, memory, and past.”