Little Smasher traverses the line between painting and sculpture, defiant of the conventions of either medium and exploring the gap between. It occupies the viewer's space, almost if separated from the stretcher-frame to which the canvas is attached. Occupying three-dimensional space, the viewing experience is a dynamic one.
Little Smasher exemplifies the best of Parkes' practice: her confidence and the refinement of her art technique shines through. The work is resolutely abstract, yet both the form and colour palette are familiar to the viewer from the landscape: greens, yellows and mauves overlay, folded, rolling forms.
Modernist painting and illustrate Parkes' knowledge of Op-Art and Abstraction. By flirting with the decorative aspects of her composition, the artist both subverts and pays homage to those artistic traditions.
Miranda Parkes is a talented young artist who has proven her ability and importantly her tenacity and desire to continue to make art in the years ahead. Parkes has consistently shown in group, as well as solo, shows, in Auckland and her native Christchurch.
Little Smasher survived the latest Christchurch earthquake, where the artist's studio was destroyed. It shares the title of the show at Antoinette Godkin Gallery, which was in fact confirmed before the quake.
Little Smasher possesses a bold visual impact, defying gravity and expectations. It is a serious work that punches above its weight, with a playful nod toward the past, and a serious work with a playful nod toward past traditions and future possibility.
Buying Committee;
Blair, Glen, Kay
Purchased March 2011
