Susan Wald, born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1952, is a highly acclaimed visual artist renowned for her remarkable achievements in painting, drawing, and printmaking. Having dedicated herself to her craft for many years, Wald has become a well-known and respected presence in the Australian art community. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specializing in painting, from Victoria College, Prahran, in 1991. During her time there, she received the esteemed Dean’s Acquisitive Prize. Her captivating creations, known for delving deep into the fragility of life, evoking powerful emotions, and capturing the essence of existence, have been featured in twenty solo exhibitions and various group shows. Wald’s artistic vision is profoundly shaped by her personal history, which traces back to Polish Jewish refugees who made Melbourne their home in 1949. In 2004, she decided to adopt the name Susan Wald, leaving behind her previous name, Mittelman. Wald’s artwork beautifully captures the intricate and thought-provoking aspects of the modern era.
The Gathering: An Exploration of Life and Death
One of Wald’s remarkable series, “The Gathering,” showcases her talent for breathing life into her artwork by portraying objects that may appear lifeless at first glance. The artist’s radiant paintings, which frequently showcase collections of sun-bleached animal skulls found on coastlines, highways, and arid landscapes, encourage viewers to construct their own stories. The skulls, ranging from goats and sheep to kangaroos, wallaroos, and even a dog, are artfully arranged to convey a sense of social interactions and vibrant energy. In Wald’s paintings, the skulls seem to come to life, with their eyes captivating both each other and the viewers. The scenes are filled with vibrant and shimmering colors, reminiscent of the beauty found in nature and the sky. The stark juxtaposition of the lifeless skulls against the vibrant compositions serves as a testament to Wald’s remarkable ability to evoke life even in its absence. Her paintings of “The Gathering” explore profound concepts of human existence, capturing the delicate balance between mortality, pride, and the enduring strength of life. Through her art, she breathes life into remnants of death, giving them a vibrant and spirited presence that captivates our imagination. Wald’s works invite viewers to discover inspiration in the transient moments of life and the allure of the unconventional.
Theatre Paintings and Monoprints: A Distinctive Point of View
Susan Wald’s exploration of theatre through painting and monoprints provides a unique and captivating viewpoint on Australian art. The exhibition titled “Theatre Paintings and Monoprints” showcased a collection of eight significant paintings along with a series of smaller paintings and monoprints. It took place from September 12 to October 10, 2015. These works draw inspiration from two captivating theatre productions: Sophocles’ “Elektra,” directed by Adena Jacobs, and “The Exile Trilogy,” written and directed by Barrie Kosky. Wald’s artwork is a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary theatre, showcasing her strong belief in the enduring power of painting in the modern era. Dr M.E. McGuire, an art historian, characterizes her work as having a European sensibility that centers on the human condition during challenging and uncertain periods. Her oil paintings employ a restrained color palette and bold brushstrokes to evoke a powerful and striking effect.
Jacobs, the Theatre Director of Fraught Outfit, expresses deep admiration for Wald’s work, which has left her and her collaborators in a state of awe and emotional resonance. Wald’s artistry has managed to encapsulate the very essence of their theatrical productions, creating a truly remarkable and impactful experience. Wald’s expertise as a visual observer, present throughout the rehearsal process, enabled her to capture the intricate details and immersive moments of the theatre. This collaboration showcases Wald’s talent for capturing the intricate layers of human psychology and emotion through visual expression. Her monoprints and paintings beautifully blend the worlds of performance and visual art, skillfully capturing the intangible qualities of emotion, form, and space. Drawn from the depths of literary inspiration, Wald’s creations in the realm of art capture the essence of human existence with a raw and unfiltered perspective. Her impact on the art industry is nothing short of profound and everlasting.