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Three emerging female artists take a dream-like journey through a lyrical realm opening 1 July at Pixel Ink Gallery.

“Lyrical Dreamscapes” is a collaboration by Massey University students and friends Jo Cringle, Lauren McGrath and Melissa Jenkins.

The exhibition features new works – illustrative and abstract - inspired by music and lyrics as they play into our lives and influence our creativity.

“My paintings take the viewer into dark yet warm imaginary spaces,” says Cringle who is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Massey University.

Cringle's latest works have a melancholy sadness about them with elements of emotion and spirituality. Her paintings are both symbolic and derivative of personal experience.

McGrath on the other hand is a contemporary abstract expressionist. She describes her series of abstract paintings in Lyrical Dreamscapes as “fantastical landscapes of surreal beauty; vibrant and evocative”.

Born in Northern Ireland and raised in Wellington, McGrath has studied Fine Arts at Massey University for six years. As an artist she is influenced by the styles of Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock.

"I can't walk two minutes to the dairy without my iPod,” says illustrative artist Melissa Jenkins.

Jenkins said she took quite a literal approach to the brief for the exhibition - creating works inspired by music. “I took elements and symbols of particular songs by artists I admire and created little mini 'scenes' from the songs.”

“I chose female [musical] artists I admire because I relate to the lyrics more and they're generally softer and prettier to paint! and I like the girly stuff,” adds Jenkins.

Pixel Ink Gallery director, Rosalind Clark said the illustrative and abstract paintings visually evoke a transcendent quality inspired by the artist’s collective love of music.

Exhibition details:

Jo Cringle, Melissa Jenkins, Lauren McGrath

Lyrical Dreamscapes

Pixel Ink Gallery, 12 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington

Runs from 1 – 19 July 2009

Opening night: Wednesday 1 July 5.30 – 7.30pm

Admission FREE.

Gallery opening hours:

Mon – Tue: Closed (open by appointment)

Wed – Fri: 10am – 5.30pm

Sat – Sun: 10am – 3.30pm

For more information visit www.pixelink.co.nz or email gallery@pixelink.co.nz.  

- ENDS (images supplied).