The Others
Meet The Others: Catherine Hiller
The Game Changers. The Rule Breakers. The Innovators. Discover some of the fantastic emerging talent showcasing their work at The Other Art Fair.
French born and now based in Melbourne, Catherine Hiller joined 100 emerging artist at The Other Art Fair Sydney in October. Catherine’s visceral abstract paintings are characterised by their bold colours and clashing brush strokes. She describes her own work as a ‘palette of emotions’ and in her paintings Catherine is trying to translate these emotions which she gains from visual, aural and social cues.
How would you describe your artwork?
My work is a direct response to my environment and powerful, emotional moments in time. Through very energetic and sensual strokes, I express my love of paint and colour, celebrating nature, people and emotions.
My works are raw and visceral, the product of instinct rather than intellect. I am very sensitive to my surroundings – colours, sounds, people and most of all music; every cue, whether visual, aural or emotional, has a colour to me and I try translating it all onto canvas without the distraction of a thought process.
I also particularly enjoy the process, the physicality of painting and hopefully it transpires in the end result.
What does making art mean to you?
Making art means everything to me. It’s the purest way of expressing myself; when I paint, I am entirely connected and in the moment – it’s a sensation that’s extremely calming and addictive!
How did you get started making art?
Born in France, I have studied art and painted from the age of twelve, experimenting with a broad array of materials and techniques whilst absorbing the moods and colours of the countries I lived in, including France, the UK, Switzerland and Kenya. Although I began painting in a realistic style, eventually I felt the urge to paint in a more expressionist way using strong brush marks, leaving prominent space for movement, colour and emotion. Ultimately about 10 years ago, the subject felt redundant and my work became completely abstract, giving me the freedom to express my emotions honestly and absolutely, through colour and in the rawest possible form.
What is it like to be a part of The Other Art Fair?
Being part of The Other Art Fair was an incredible experience. Connecting with such a variety of talented artists as well as so many new collectors and getting feedback on my work directly from the public was an enriching experience. Being based in Melbourne, it was also a great way to get exposure in Sydney.
What is your favourite piece for sale on your SA profile and why?
Thought it is not for sale, my favourite piece is ‘A little more love’. I painted this piece on the 14th November 2015, a day after the attacks in Paris, my home city. It is an emotional response to very upsetting events that left me feeling deep sadness for my beautiful city and all my friends there.
The painting is about wishing the world a little more love – to everyone, every day as this is the only thing that can help the world be a better place. I have kept the original as a daily reminder of this.
