Doreen Chapman is a Manyjilyjarra artist, whose work is easily identified through her distinctive use of bright pastels and charismatic depictions of airplanes and birds. Since her debut solo show in 2013, Doreen has developed her practice – retaining the playful charm of her paintings, but re-framing her subjects in fields of luminous colour.

A new perspective is on show from 3 May – 1 June at Turner Gallery in Perth, where Doreen presents her audience with a new way of seeing. The works are ‘poised between figurative work and abstraction’, and include Chapman’s own interpretation of Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers (1887-1888).

The paintings explore the interplay of tradition and contemporary culture, where past and present co-inhabit space and time. One work presents a figure who could be viewed as a spiritual being, but turns out to be the character of Gollum from Lord of the Rings – inspired by a plastic figurine Doreen noticed at her doctor’s office. Inspiration really is everywhere!

Doreen spends most of her time in Warralong community and visits Port Headland to see family and paint her bold and arresting works at the Spinifex Hill Studios. As a deaf woman, ‘painting is a crucial form of her communication and storytelling’, and A new perspective tells an energetic and compelling story of Doreen’s ever-changing experiences of life in the Pilbara region.

A new perspective by Doreen Chapman
Friday 3 May – 1 June
 Turner Gallery
Engine Room 2
470 William Street
Northbridge, Perth