Eyes Closed – Brija Davis
Lot 19, Castlemaine
Victoria

I recently had the pleasure of going to an art exhibition by emerging Irish/Australian artist Brija Davis. From Saturday, April 29th to Sunday, May 28th, this captivating collection of recent works took place in an old tram onsite at the famous art space and makers community, Lot 19, in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. Brija, a mixed media artist who had recently relocated to Castlemaine, skilfully incorporated wool into her pieces, drawing inspiration from various sleep states, the exploration of vision, human connection, queer intimacy, and biology.

From the moment I stepped into the exhibition space, I was immediately struck by the ethereal quality of Brija's artworks. Her use of colour and composition invited viewers to escape into a realm where reality and imagination coalesced. The dreamlike quality of her paintings and drawings created a sense of fluidity, with forms and figures appearing to shift and transform before our eyes. It was evident that Brija's exploration of different sleep states had informed her artistic approach, allowing her to manifest the intangible in captivating visual narratives.

Brija's unique artistic style was further enhanced by her incorporation of wool sewn into her pieces. This unconventional choice of material added a tactile and textural dimension to her works, creating a tangible connection between the viewer and the art. The use of wool not only added depth and richness to the visual experience but also served as a metaphorical representation of human connections and intimacy. This blending of mediums demonstrated Brija's ability to push boundaries and experiment with different materials, resulting in thought-provoking and visually engaging pieces.

Brija's exploration of human connection and queer intimacy was a central theme throughout the exhibition. Her artwork beautifully captured the complexities and nuances of these relationships, evoking a range of emotions in the viewer. The use of vibrant colours and delicate lines portrayed moments of tenderness, vulnerability, and empowerment. It was evident that Brija's personal experiences and observations had shaped her artistic expression, creating a powerful narrative that resonated with diverse audiences.

Another intriguing aspect of Brija's artwork was the interplay between vision and biology. Her paintings and drawings often depicted organic forms and intricate details, drawing inspiration from the natural world. Through her art, Brija invited us to contemplate the intersection of our visual perception and the underlying biological processes that shaped our understanding of the world. This exploration prompted us to question the boundaries between the seen and unseen, encouraging a deeper reflection on our own existence and the intricate mechanisms that governed life.

Brija Davis' art exhibition was an experience that transported viewers into a realm of visual enchantment. Held in an old tram onsite at the famous art space and makers community, Lot 19, in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia, her dreamlike paintings and drawings, enhanced by the incorporation of wool and mixed media, invited contemplation and reflection on themes of human connection, queer intimacy, vision, and biology. It was clear that Brija's artistic talent and unique perspective marked her as an emerging artist to watch. Keep an eye out for Brija`s art career @brijadavisart

Tas Wansbrough