"bloom v7.1"

About René Twigge

As if caught in a whirlpool, our gaze is drawn ever deeper into the picturesque vortex of colours and shapes that exerts an almost hypnotic effect. Lilies, tulips and dahlias float on the black background like a sea of paradisiacal plants,… Read more

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As if caught in a whirlpool, our gaze is drawn ever deeper into the picturesque vortex of colours and shapes that exerts an almost hypnotic effect. Lilies, tulips and dahlias float on the black background like a sea of paradisiacal plants, seemingly detached from time and space. René Twigge’s floral symphonies are more than mere tributes to the beauty of nature, however; they are an examination of the visual potential of botanical forms, realised through the use of digital technology.

The play with contrasts and the translation of objects from natural into digital are integral parts of Twigge’s works, which are concentrically composed around the central image of a flower. The natural appearance of these constructed images belies the complex process of creation. Twigge photographs flowers in the wild then reassembles them on a computer in overlapping layers of colour and shape, completely rearranging them. The bright colours of the petals contrast strongly with the dark background, lending the work additional dramatic appeal. What results is a representation of the flowers that feels natural, but is not quite real; an idealized form of reality that brings order to the chaos of nature through digital manipulation.

Nature – in all its glory, growth and decay, in its different colours and forms – is the central theme of René Twigge’s oeuvre. The Australian-based artist has been fascinated by the symbiotic relationship of technology and the environment since studying Fine Arts at the Central University of Technology in South Africa. Since 2008, her work has been regularly featured in solo and group exhibitions in locations such as Australia, South Africa, and even Singapore.

Sarah Fassio

VITA

Lives and works in Sydney, Australia

Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions

2012	With Meaning, Newcastle Art Space, Newcastle, Australia
2011	Never Before, Haas Design Collective, Cape Town, South Africa
2010	Casa Labia in Bloom, Casa Labia, Muizenberg, South Africa
2009	Members Show, Association of Visual Arts, Cape Town, South Africa

INTERVIEW

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?
I find my art in nature. The various stages of deterioration and growth inspire me.

From an idea to its materialization: How do you approach your work?
I approach my work by photographing of flowers. I take as many photographs as I can from different angles. I arrange the flowers first and then scatter them to find different layers for a specific composition. The composition that relates most to what I have in my mind’s eye is then used to start the actual artwork.

What is your favorite book?
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?
Yayoi Kusumana. The fact that she permanently resides in a mental hospital and still produces art intrigues me. I would ask her what inspires and motivates her, and how she goes about her day producing art while keeping her mental health in check.

How did you get into art?
I studied art at the Central University Free State, but did not really pursue art as a career until years later. I worked in a corporate environment where I was introduced to photo editing software.  I enjoyed playing around with it and found that the digital medium worked best for me.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?
My husband and son are a big influence and I spend a lot of time with them. They are my world and I love them dearly. We have a small, close-knit group of friends that we see often. They support and motivate us.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?
I would go back to the 1970's to when I was a child, living with my family in South Africa. I had a wonderful childhood and would give anything to live it again.

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?
Motherhood.

What are you working on right now?
I am working on a new techno piece that was commissioned by a client.