‘Limits of Force’

Of and For Our Bodies – Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts

In April this year, Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts worked together with Clare Jackson to create an exhibition called Tensions Between at the CCAS gallery in Manuka. They used this opportunity to explore the similarities and discrepancies between their works.

The visual resemblance is easy to see. Both their works use delicate intricate lines and soft colours with a combination of marks that are both subtle and ferocious. A tension builds between the softness of the images and the grandeur of the subjects they tackle. Zoya uses her work to grapple with themes of consent, assault, anguish and pain, while Claire often uses hers to explore loss, place and the presence of time itself.

The power of these works lies in their willingness to show us that strength does not have to be proved with force to be clearly visible. The subtle marks present themselves as deeper than the most defiant slash of paint. This is immensely potent, as their depth is not justified by screams to be noticed.

Its presence is for itself, for the sheer sake of being. There is something forceful in viewing that which is not there to be seen. That which exists despite your glances, despite calls for it to be silent.

Both artists have had their works described as ‘feminine’, a fraught term for an industry filled with women but often lead by men. Instead of communicating power and importance in the conventional manner, these artists have decided to present their own knowledge on the meaning of strength.

When we look at these fragile works we must ask ourselves why we associate such a trait with weakness. We do not see courage when the fight is unequally matched, then why should we see strength in those who have nothing to push against? These works are strong by defying their delicate nature; holding together with the finest of strings and the subtlest of marks.