Focus on printmaker Kati Thamo

Kati Thamo explores the ambiguous relationship between humans and animals. 

‘In Clear Air’ was an instantaneous response to passing through a Karri forest near Walpole (in WA’s south).   A vision of her Book of Nature scrolled through her mind. “Each page is literally an open book”.  There are no humans or words; just nature offering mysterious and mythical meaning. 

In Clean Air

Together the Books form an elongated landscape of flora and fauna from her own back yard and the hills above Melbourne. The Pardalote above, is an example. 

‘Incommunicado’ features poised individuals; a bird sitting on a dog’s head - a relationship with another and the wild. No communication, just looking outwards with absolute independence and integrity. Some of Kati’s work is akin to little theatrical scenarios and tapestries. “We’re all woven together, yet slightly apart”. 

Incommunicado

Unravelling Eden

‘Unravelling Eden’ captures the essence of life and experiences with her children and partner in the Walpole forest in WA’s south. It’s a snakes and ladders view of humans and animals; a story of hits and misses that is not clear cut. 

 Like real life and a bit of her childhood, it’s perfectly imperfect – a tapestry. There’s interplay between the different media used to create her art. Various print techniques, drawings, and embroideries.

‘Night jar’ is a play on words. A Nightjar owl - on a jar. “The eyes are looking out, appealing and asking, ‘What are you people doing with nature and the environment?”

Nightjar

Intimations 4

Walking through a fire-charred landscape she was captivated by the leaves that had curled in on themselves. So, ‘Intimations 4’ acknowledges humans can and do cause damage. “How will the animals survive and cope?”

‘Algebra’ below talks of the relationships and events that defy explanation. “You can’t capture the entirety of something with just an explanation’.

Algebra

Kati exhibits with Mundaring Arts Centre in WA, Beaver Gallery in ACT and PG Print Gallery in Fitzroy. Keep an eye open for her To Be Rescheduled show at The Goods Shed, Claremont.