Stealing Beauty

A new exhibition this month at Friends Of Leon Gallery in Surry Hills will feature the work of Perth based artist Jodee Knowles who’s work combines the mediums of artist / illustrator / muralist with a strong feeling for fashion and textiles in her attention to detail and use of colour. This is Jodee’s first exhibition in Sydney.
Scout spoke to gallery owner Leon Krasenstein pre show to find out more about the artist and her work. The pair met in LA when they were both part of a group show, Leon was struck not only by her unique style and figures but also by Jodee’s darker view of beauty and the female form. “Jodee’s an ex model, she’s gorgeous but she paints a world that is extremely dark, something that I’m drawn to, the beauty on the outside but then the distraught, warped darker character on the inside, but she’s still innocent like her work. I loved this contradiction”.  
Knowles’ latest collection “In the world of things without weight” explores the themes of mood and money.  Her original patterns and distinctive brush strokes depict a unique and individual world. There’s a sense of sadness and knowing to each of the subjects eyes. As well as the softer, feminine use of colour the recurring motif of crosses evident in her latest work lends a fashion edge to some of the paintings and is symbolic of the joining of time and money. Knowles' characters are the discarded elements in ones life and are the moments that have been lost and replaced.
The space will be transformed a week prior to the exhibition as Jodee paints a feature wall as part of the exhibition as well as showcasing 10 selected new works.

Opening Night: Thursday the 25th of February from 6pm

Exhibition runs until the 18th of March

Friends of Leon Gallery

82 Marlborough Street Surry Hills 2010

leon@friendsofleon.com  www.friendsofleon.com  0403 248 978