Eternal Magic' by Chrissie Abbott ; 'De Nuevo Comenzamos' by Nadia HernandezHow good is it when smart people do cool things together? Nadia Hernandez and Chrissie Abbott are both artists who happen to be close friends. They’re putting on a joint show together called A Parallel Vision, opening this week at Melbourne’s RVCA Corner Gallery. They’ll each be showing new works bound by a love of colour, collage and themes of progress, rebirth and nostalgia.
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Born in Venezuela and based in Sydney, Nadia is influenced by Latin American folk art and uses craft, illustration and text to explore Venezuelan folklore and social/political change. Sometimes she also makes baby elephants, paints murals and decorates skate decks. Chrissie was born in London but now works out of Melbourne, and takes a mixed medium approach to her practice using everything from magazine cut-outs to silkscreen prints to create vibrant artworks that you’ll want to put on your Tumblr and hang on your bedroom wall.We caught up with the BFFs ahead of the opening.
'Maniifested Reality' by Chrissie AbbottThe Creators Project: Do you remember the first piece of art you ever made?Nadia Hernandez: I'm going way back here, but when I was seven I remember crafting a range of paper dolls. I used to make their outfits too and cut out little tabs on each so that the paper clothing could be interchangeable. I'm not sure if you can call it art, but it's one of my first memories of ever creating something.Chrissie Abbott: I don’t know if it was the first ever, but I remember making collages out of old Christmas cards and Vogue magazines that my mum had a stash of. I remember finding it hilarious that I could put a bird on someone’s head. I feel like not much has changed.What’s your favourite material to work with at the moment?Nadia: I'm very partial to paper and felt. Paper and felt forever!
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Chrissie: Probably still old magazines, and neon acrylic paint.Why did you choose to do a show together?Nadia: Chrissie is a really great friend of mine, a really great artist, and a really great designer. Our work shares the same energy and we've been wanting to do a show together I'd say since the early days of our friendship.Chrissie: I wanted to do a show with Nadia because she is not only super talented and inspiring but also one of my favourite people in the whole world. It was a no-brainer.
Chrissie Abbott (left) and Nadia Hernandez (right)
How would you describe this show?Nadia:A Parallel Vision is a chaotic celebration. It's infinitely positive, explosive, bright and layered with narratives.Chrissie: A chaotic explosion of colour; a real good time; a spirit-lifter; a shapeshifter.What’s on your mood board right now?Nadia: Funny fake motivational quotes I've written to lift my mood and make me laugh, a photograph of a Chilean man selling carnations, and old bits of tape.Chrissie: Plants, science fiction art, geometric patterns and optical illusions.
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