Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan - Anhinga

Wednesday 5 - Saturday 22 May 2021

Click here for artwork by Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan

In recent years, Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan has regularly observed and sketched Australasian Darter birds (Anhinga novae hollandiae) at a local nature reserve in the Dandenong Ranges. These birds spend a lot of time drying their wings out in the sun: A Moment of Pause.

As a child, she spent a lot of time in this reserve, exploring nature: A Place of Belonging.

The geometric patterns incorporated in this series echo the glazed roof tiles of Burgundy – a distinctive architectural feature of the region, dating back to the 14th century. Throughout her adolescence in Dijon, Journoud-Ryan was fortunate to consider these complex designs daily on specific buildings and architectural landmarks (referenced in each title): Another Place of Personal Belonging.

For Anhinga Saint-Bénigne, Dijon 13/12 and Anhinga Pierreclos 11/12, the motif colours are recognisable across the following locations in Dijon (but not limited to): l'Hôtel Aubriot, l'Hôtel de Voguë, l'Hôtel Guillaume-Frasans, l'Église Plombières-lès-Dijon, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne.

Each sculpture features a mix of European and Japanese antique ware including purposely hand-crafted and painted ceramic pieces, at times requiring three kiln firings.

Upon closer inspection, you will spot the odd fish, bird, koala and horse… As a dual citizen of France and Australia, birds reflect the artist's personal narratives of migration, belonging and displacement, while the use of horses in her work evokes strength.

These sculptures are personal totems in the shape of an Australian Darter: A Representation of her Double Cultural Belonging.

The clay work was created in collaboration with and the support of artist Kirsten Laken of Spirit of Glass and ceramicist Marlize Myburgh of MY Studio. The Dichroic Glass eyes were created by Kirsten Laken.