Art2Muse

Exhibition at Art2Muse Gallery 25 January – 7 February 2012

Artist Statement

'...The Struggle to exist is at the core of all things
it's not negative or positive it's just a fact...'
Jonathon Weiner

For the past fifteen years or more my work has explored the concept of deconstruction. When you deconstruct an environment down to it's most pure and simplistic form, you find the very spirit or essence that hides beneath it's surface. Revealing a primitive landscape of repetitive forms and lines that convey our core connection and disconnection with each other and our surrounding environment.

Through observing, collecting and recording the environment that surrounds me I create a montage of images, textures, memories, thoughts and ideas that weave their way through translucent layers of paint and wax - to create a tapestry that imbues energy and emotion.
- Jo Kot

2012 Exhibition

This series of Jo Kot's works have been inspired by vintage postcard nudes and the erotic writings of Anais Nin. They combine a layered collage of images, industrial materials, wax and rust effect paint on recycled plywood and board. The materials are a reflection of Jo's upbringing in the steel town of Newcastle, and combine to create an aged, antique effect – to complement the postcard nudes. In contrast, the techniques used to create the works are contemporary – employing digital manipulation of the nudes - reminiscent of those employed in popular culture.

Qualifications

2002 Lead lighting Nepean community collage
1998 Statement in Foundry National Art School
1996 Masters in Art at The College of Fine Arts UNSW
1992 BA in Visual Arts University of Newcastle
1990 Post Technican in Painting Newcastle TAFE
1989 Associate Diploma of Fine Arts Newcastle TAFE

Selected Exhibitions

2009 Art2Muse Gallery, Double Bay, Sydney
2007 Bower Bird Gallery Blue Mountains Opening Show
2007 123 on King Newcastle Crossection
2006 PCL Sydney Xmas Art Sale
2005 PCL Sydney Xmas Art Sale
2005 Fox Studios Affordable Art Sale
2004 Incubator Sydney Aura 01
2003 Petersham Sydney Femme Fatale
2003 Fox Studios Affordable Art Sale
2003 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney Five Artists
2001 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney ~0100010
2000 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney Blanc
2000 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney Suitcase Show
1996 COFA Graduation Exhibition Pure
1996 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney Surfacing
1995 PCL Exhibitionists Sydney Strong
1995 COFA Gallery Sydney White Trash
1994 Cyberspace Gallery Sydney An Image of my self
1994 Newcastle Regional Art Gallery The Last Giant
1993 Watt Space Gallery Newcastle P.S.
1992 249 Contemporary Gallery Newcastle The Graduate Show
1992 Watt Space Gallery Newcastle Jo Kot - Solo Exhibition

Awards and achievements

First place in post Technician course at TAFE.
Highly commended for Reg Russom life drawing prize.
Volunteered to paint and decorate old telephones for auction in aid of Lifeline.
Selected for Emerging Artist Exhibition at Newcastle Regional Gallery.