Kathrin Longhurst – Artists Statement
My art is about desire, the desire to show how every woman can be transformed by letting her inner being shine through. By removing, the mask of self-doubt and changing a world that says women must conform to unrealistic images that are portrayed on countless glossy women’s magazines.
My desire is to show through an ultra feminine style how women can see themselves if they choose. This idea stands in complete opposition to the proletarian and rather masculine art of East Germany where I grew up. This has become a visual response to my early life experience: like a gesture of artistic liberation. My paintings aim to fulfil a quest for beauty and luxury, which I was denied when growing up in Eastern Europe.
I started my arts life by taking life-drawing classes at 14 and have since developed an intense interest in the human shape, particularly the female form. It has taken me almost 20 years to realise my calling in life and become a full time artist.
My work is contemporary; I paint mainly in oils, enjoying bright colours, sometimes using only primary or secondary colours and often layering the paint to bring out the almost three dimensional images. My style is also deeply influenced by the year I spent in Belgium; through the delicate and elaborate detail of “Art Nouveau” which I found there, this idea and visual concept now fill my paintings.
I live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where along with other artists, I’m a founding member of an artist co-op called “Northern Expressions”. I am also a committee member of the Portrait Artists Australia. My works exhibit frequently at galleries in Sydney, Queensland and the US.
Mission
With my work, I have a strong desire to portray everyday women in a glamorous way. My models come from all walks of life, but on canvass they get to be superstars, divas, temptresses, goddesses and heroines. I particularly want woman to feel good about themselves, through my art. I want to show the world how beautiful they are. I want people to feel the love and tenderness that I have for my subjects in every painting.
Exhibitions
2009 Finalist Black Swan Portrait Prize, Perth, WA
2009 “Unsung Heros”, with Portrait Artists Australia, Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
2009 Finalist Mosman Art Prize, Mosman, NSW
2008 “Art Sydney08″, Fox Studios, Sydney
2008 “The Art of Healing”, with Portrait Artists Australia, Arthouse Hotel, Sydney
2008 Finalist Black Swan Portrait Prize, Perth, WA
2008 Finalist Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award, Bega Regional Gallery, Bega
2008 “Group Show”, Manyung Gallery, Mornington Peninsula
2008 “Miniatures”, David Hart Galleries, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2008 “Stations of the Cross”, The Art Sanctuary Gallery, Fairlight, Sydney
2008 Solo Show, Dabbert Gallery, Sarasota, Florida
2007 “ArtSydney07″, The Art Sanctuary Gallery, Fox Studios, Sydney
2007 “Forces of Nature “, Group Show, The Art Sanctuary Gallery, Fairlight
2007 “Intimately”, Solo Show, SOHO Galleries, Sydney
2006 “Blooms of Summer”, Dabbert Gallery, Florida
2006 Arthouse Hotel, Dome Restaurant, Sydney
2006 Dale Thomas Gallery, Artarmon, Sydney, Group Show
2006 Tighes Hill Gallery, Newcastle, Solo Show
2006 “La Belle Vie” Solo Show, SOHO Gallery, Sydney
2005 “A Moment Captured” Two Man Show, Studio W, Woolloomooloo
2005 “Looking inwards” Group Exhibition, Salmon Gallery, McMahons Point
2005 “1001 Nights 2005″ Group Exhibition, SAUC Gallery, Surry Hills
2004 “Seducing your Senses” Group Exhibition, SAUC Gallery, Surry Hills
2004 Affordable Art Show Sydney
2004 Group Exhibition “Figures, Faces and Landscapes” Tighes Hill Gallery, Newcastle
2004 Affordable Art Show Melbourne
2004 “Divas” Solo Show Salmon Galleries, Sydney, McMahons Point
2003 Group Exhibition “Introducing the new SAUC”, SAUC Gallery, Surry Hills
2003 Finalist Willoughby Arts Prize, Sydney
2003 Affordable Art Show Sydney
Collections
Kathrin’s work is included in private collections in Germany, Sweden, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Mexico and United States.
Corporate Collections:
Macquarie Bank, 29-57 Christie St, St Leonards, Sydney Macquarie Bank, 505 Little Collins St, Melbourne The Bureaux, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Macquarie Bank, 52-56 Railway Pde, Burwood Macquarie Bank, 95 Nicholson St, St Leonards Macquarie Bank, 2 Elizabeth Plaza, North Sydney