KARINA JAMBRAK

I painted this artwork whilst in Bellingen NSW, seeking an escape from the chaos of the Gold Coast. I feel privileged to paint on the land of the Bumbaynggirr people and my time there reminded me of the serenity found in the natural world - from the sun rising over mountains and warming my body, to the native birdsong inviting a sense of peace. I fuse together the contrasting notions of our fast moving daily lives and the instinctive reminder to slow down. This abstract representation embodies what it means to live and reflect on our human experience and the balance required. The fusion of these elements in the artwork serves as a reminder that the essence of who we are is inherently connected to the land and nature that surrounds and grounds us.

Like the alluvial plains of a river where sediment creates many layers this art work is my representation. Fusion of layers and all it holds. My home town is a flood area and I have experienced the many stages of our river’s transition. As the muddy water slowly clears and the layers of sediment ease you are reminded as time moves forward the many layers it holds. New life blossoms and the beauty of the land breathes new life. The water clears to familiarity which is comforting to all that reside near her. Colours emerge with vigour and vibrance. This artwork represents our river, I have layered the work using various mediums adding the vibrance that I see, know and love. It is unpredictable, it holds inconsistency but it also gives me a sense of gratitude and comfort as these layers hold our home towns despair in memories which are now a part of our local history. This is painting is not about tragedy, but rather renewal and ultimate beauty which are represented in the palette of bright hues. The river moves forward and is reinvigorated, as we all are.

For the concept fusion, I have been inspired to create an artwork based on my home city of Sydney. The fusion of nature and man-made beauty within our city is always apparent, from the sparkling water under our harbour bridge to the dwellings built upon the rugged cliffs along our world famous coastline. Sydney is a city where nature meets architecture and it is the perfect blend of stunning landscapes and iconic cityscapes that create a beautiful story of contrast and harmony.

Art is fundamentally a synthesis of various elements combined by the artist to create a new entity. This fusion begins with acquiring materials that have undergone manufacturing before being integrated into the artwork. As the artist, I mix synthetic polymer paint and resin on canvas, blending colours, hues, and tones to achieve a harmonious and lyrical outcome. My focus is on creating an abstract experience that, while lacking direct references to everyday visuals, evokes a specific emotional response. The flat and glossy surface of the painting reflects and absorbs light, enhancing its sensory appeal. This approach captivates the viewer and explores deeper themes of self-expansion and the desire for transcendence, making the artwork a vehicle for experiencing other dimensions of reality.

An abstract delight! A fusion of music and mixed media. Created by listening to the song "Horses" by Future of Forestry, and allowing the raw and powerful feelings evoked to inspire the use of materials and feeling of the artwork. Drips, splashes, flicks... Fast & slow... Watery then thick! The process not planned, but intuitively felt. A joy to create!

My work explores the different faces of self and how they represent a diverse way your character interacts with and reveals themselves to the world. Whilst portraying an individual expression of the female experience. The objectification of the female form, this fused snapshot captures the weight of the objective gaze. I see my work as both intimate and isolating. it allows the observed to also become the observer. it is the power dynamic between the artist, the sitter and the audience. It depicts two faces overlapping, blurring the lines between who you are and how different people view you depending on your cultural background, influences and the celebration of diversity. I use loose lines and a colour composition that captures the intensity of connection and attachment.

A harmonious setting depicting the fusion between the natural and the man made elements, the umbrellas and deck chairs interacting with the natural surroundings of the tropical garden and the water. The deck chairs, umbrellas and botanicals are a fusion of cultures and global influences creating a universally appealing oasis.

Carl Jungs genius scientific theory separates the human psyche into three components; the ego, the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. This has inspired me to produce “The Human Psyche” which visually demonstrates my realm of abstraction fused with Jungs unique outlook on human psychology. It features three bold black lines, each representing a core element of Jung's framework. The first line symbolizes the Ego, our shadow self and conscious identity, depicted as a central, dominant line reflecting its pivotal role in our everyday awareness. The second line represents the Personal Unconscious, a realm of repressed memories and personal experiences. This line intertwines with the third line, which portrays the Collective Unconscious—a deeper layer shared among all humanity, filled with archetypal images and universal experiences. The intertwining of the Personal and Collective Unconscious lines highlights their interconnected nature, as personal experiences influence and are influenced by the collective unconscious. My piece merges abstract visual elements with Jungian psychological theory, creating a dynamic interplay that captures the essence of these psychological constructs in a unique visual language.

This painting explores the meditative state and focused anticipation that surfers experience as they approach the ocean. It captures the fusion which occurs between the surfer and the beauty and power of nature. The surfer blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, symbolizing the deep unity and harmony achieved with the environment. The intricate play of colours and abstract forms represents the internal landscape of thoughts and emotions accompanying the surfer's anticipation of the waves ahead. The use of cool blues, greys and greens, along with vibrant reds, highlights the contrast between calm contemplation and the intense excitement of the upcoming surf.

My artwork is a celebration of the Wallum, the coastal heathland that graces Northern NSW, an ecosystem rich in biodiversity yet increasingly threatened by development. Through my lino reduction prints, I explore the concept of "fusion," blending the delicate beauty of this landscape with a deeper message about the need for preservation. The Wallum’s intricate patterns—from resilient wildflowers to hardy, wind-swept shrubs—are a testament to nature’s power and fragility. In my work, I use the reduction technique to layer colors and forms, creating a fusion of texture and depth that captures the landscape's vibrant, yet subtle, palette. This method, which involves carving away at the lino block, reflects the gradual and often irreversible changes imposed on the environment by human intervention. "Fusion" also represents the coming together of art and activism. My prints aim to inspire a collective appreciation for the Wallum and a sense of urgency in protecting it. By portraying its beauty, I hope to harness the power of people to prevent further destruction and preserve this unique landscape for future generations.