Games of Luck

2023

Oil on canvas
161 x 96cm

“Cacti are not only adaptable, but beautiful. To date, 1500 species of cacti have been discovered, averaging a lifespan between 10 to 200 years. Interestingly, cacti do not grow naturally in Australia, yet the plant has successfully evolved to thrive in our harshest environments. Despite this, the references for this exhibition were photographed at the Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne botanical gardens. With this collection of work, I aimed to experiment and develop my use of colour, composition and scale. Whilst painting, I saturated the colours of the cacti fruit and flowers to accentuate the cacti’s natural beauty. Stylistically, a simple composition was chosen to draw attention to the detail of the subject. I purposefully placed these otherworldly plants in new, unusual environments to experiment with scale and surrealism. Creating this body of work has taught me to, like the cactus, remain resilient and adaptable. With enough effort and time, you can create something beautiful.” – Caitlyn Taylor