Rosalie Gascoigne is best known for transforming humble items into magnificent works of art. “The Beaten Track” (Above Left) created in 1992 (Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery) is a great example of Gascoigne’s use of pattern. This piece displays several elements of art used simply to convey a message open to interpretation by the viewer. In this artwork, Gascoigne has recycled soft drink crates by cutting and then piecing them together to create “The Beaten Track”. Despite there being only two colours (yellow and black) they have been used effectively with meaning. The black writing is placed towards the centre of the piece to draw attention and create an uneven “track” down the middle of the artwork. It is also important to note all the writing is horizontal as to not confuse the viewer and add to the attention drawing track in the artwork. In spite of this image seen in the artwork it still open for interpretation by the viewer, the title “The Beaten Track” intrigues the viewer leaving them questioning why the track in the artwork is beaten and consequently draws them in.
Another beautiful example of Gascoigne’s use of pattern is “Tiger Tiger” (pictured above right). This artwork is made of reflective road signs that flash when caught by the light. Again Gascoigne has used only two colours but very effectively. The yellow is bright and eye-catching, the viewer is immediately drawn to the piece when entering the gallery. Then the title “Tiger Tiger” the viewer is yet again left standing intrigued and fascinated by how tigers can be related to road signs. Despite there is no particular “image” able to be seen in this piece the fact that there is two artworks side by side add’s to the concept and pattern of the artwork. Gascoigne spoke this about “Tiger Tiger”
… like, when I was doing Tiger Tiger, the recent work. I do them in the studio and then bring them inside and I just like to watch them, when they’re not watching me, and vice versa … and it was there, standing up against the table, and I went past it and just said ‘Tiger Tiger’, and I just knew that was its name, you see, and it was … it was the squareness, and the yellow flashing tiger crouching in the grass with grass all over its face, a sort of threat … as roadsigns are, and, to me, it was the right name. And as far as those things go, the fact of the retro-reflector, I’ve always liked the glint to be brought out. I don’t want it to be dramatically lit, but I do want it to sometimes flash at you, as road signs do, and then go sullen, then flash, like a living thing …
Throughout all Rosalie Gascoigne’s work, there is one common factor… pattern. Besides this, she adds mystery to all her artwork by using poetic titles to leave the viewers enchanted and fascinated by the art in front of them. I would like to finish with this quote from the artist at hand.
“I’ve always known how hopeless I was at painting or drawing, but I can arrange. I want to make art without telling a story: it must be allusive, lyrical.”
To Learn More About Rosalie Gascoigne Visit: MCA Rosalie Gascoigne
Until Next Time
Stay Beautiful!
Your Dream is Always Real 