In her latest solo exhibition Of Angels and The Geisha, Artist Sandra-Jane Suleski presents new works from her two current series, Fall of Angels and Faces Behind the Kimono.

Her latest oil works explore the aspirations and dignity that the Angel suggests. Portrayed on an almost mortal parallel, one questions and invites this weave of imagery, colour, scattered text, and ancient scripture into the everyday. Works such as, Let Fall and I Shall Be Your Love and Suffer Not Yet Our Eyes, illustrate the innocence, indifference and beauty of the Angel.

The often subtle use of gold and silver leaf, highly decorated wings, halos, stained lips, alluring eyes and textured garments suggest the Angel imitating and revealing herself as modern Woman.

Juxtaposed amongst Angels, The Faces Behind the Kimono, enquires as to the emotive depth and loyalty of the Geisha in a vibrant and non-traditional manner. The Geisha reveals herself to us through the use of vivid colour, intricate design and decoration. The white-washed faces allow us to rest and consider.

The use of Kanji text adds a further almost surreal dimension and depth to the work, often scripted down the throat, as a tattoo, this mark of permanency secures the loyalty of the Geisha.

Sandra-Jane feels the titles of her works to be an integral part to each painting. Created from waking dreams, she creates these paintings based on a title revealed to her in the dream. This allows the viewer an immediate insight into the desire and urgency behind her work. With titles such as The Tea House Waitress and The Blush or The Cherry Blossom these words engage and entice the viewer immediately, stirring and directing them to what lies beneath the Kimono.

Of Angels and The Geisha is at Thornton Gallery, Hamilton, from 9 to 23 September. Then is at LA Imports, Ellerslie, Auckland, from 26 September to 22 October. For more information visit www.sandrajanesuleski.co.nz