NATALIE POSTRUŽIN

Natalie Postružin’s work mirrors the world of textiles − her collages are made from the everyday materials of multidisciplinary artists. Collage art is not widely practised among the Slovenian artists in Australia, yet Natalie’s work exemplifies the many possibilities available to the artist. Through her use of lace and selected compositions, we are enabled to feel the bond with Slovenia and also recognise dilemmas that are born of the frustration caused by separation and great distances.

Alenka Černelič Krošelj, Lecturer of Art History, Ethnologist and Cultural Anthropologist

Natalie was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 1988.
My parents were born in Slovenia and migrated to Australia in their early twenties;
I am now a dual Slovenian/Australian citizen.
Education:    Completed Bachelor Of Applied Science in Fashion, Textiles and Merchandising at RMIT University in Melbourne.

“Creating art is a form of self expression, thoughts, ideas and feelings that are transformed in pieces of art from various forms of inspiration. My earliest memory of art was in primary school where every Wednesday we would spend at least two hours playing and experimenting with paint. After that the high school I attended had a good art program and here I began to experiment with various forms of art including using fabric, paint, clay etc. It was only when I was seventeen that art became a serious influence and I began to create a folio of work. I would spend lunch times and every Thursday evening after school creating my folio. I went to various exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square and also at Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
I do not have a particular style however I do like making collages and playing with ideas of texture, form, distortion and fragmentation. Influences came from Susan Norrie, Bill Henson, David Carson and also installation work of Nike Savvas. I have always loved John Brack’s painting of Collins Street 5pm which I look at every day. His work depicts modern Australian life and Collins Street 5pm reminds me to be different, to be alive and not to conform and be like everyone else in society.

Art has helped me to explore my own strengths and weaknesses. It has tested me on my levels and I know now what I am capable of. Art will always be a part of my life even if I do not create I will still look to other artists and the works that they have created. The use of lace in my work is the only trace of Slovenian culture, as lace is used on most of the Slovenian dance costumes and also in the doilies that Slovenian women create.
The artworks which I have created express my exploration of the symbols of femininity that exist within our society. I looked at lace which is considered so feminine although it was initially worn by men in the 17th century. Lace has a long history and was originally worn as an outer garment however today is also used in lingerie and corsetry. These works are my own interpretations of the ideas that come to me when I think of lace, and also playing with fragmentation, actual texture, distortion and collage.”

 

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