Jan Donaldson is a woman of multiple trades – artist, jeweller, maker and teacher. Her exhibition entitled ‘Uncanny Life artifact and identity’ delves into the psychology of the doll as an object connected to identity and culture. Fascinated by puppetry and masks, the artist’s use of jewellery and sculpture has resulted in an intriguing installation that stems from her PhD project, with references to folk tales and nursery rhymes thrown into the mix.
Jan Donaldson, I cried you a River, 2017, pewter, felt, wood, cotton thread, found object, 60 x 30 x 10cm
Donaldson combines her jewellery and object construction skills with metals, found objects and natural materials to evoke a child-like world that is both deeply personal and universal. The artist explains how the ‘theatrical quality in the dolls allows the exploration of larger narratives, alluding to the drama and folly of human existence.’ Donaldson takes on the role of historian and maker, researching the historical use and significance of dolls, which feeds into her contemporary studio practice and in particular her focus on image, form, symbol and meaning. Donaldson says, ‘The theatrical nature of the marionette doll and its ability to reveal and express identity through movement’ reveals this connection and the way in which objects are assigned meaning to them throughout history.
Jan Donaldson, The Girl with the Curl, Brooch series, 2010, 925 silver, nickel silver, bone, cotton fabric, cotton wool. Each approx: 19 x 7 x 3cm. Photograph: Jeremy Dillon
The intimate space of the room itself is intended to evoke the impression of a tomb or theatre, a direct reference to her research. As a collection of individual artifacts, this exhibition taps into both a personal and collective narrative that the artist has skillfully reinterpreted stating that, ‘The doll, imbued with human attributes, reveals beliefs about human personal and social interactions, and contributes to an understanding of the interplay between creativity and identity.’ This exhibition is a must see for those interested in the uncanny!
fortyfivedownstairs
13 February to 3 March, 2018
Melbourne
