The idea of home is ever-changing, yet certain objects evoke a sense of belonging and comfort beyond our living spaces. For Monica Rohan, these objects are patterned fabrics and bentwood dining chairs, which she brings into the open in her lively oil paintings.
Residing in Brisbane, the artist has been long recognized for depicting the fluid folds and vibrant designs of textiles, often enveloping her characters or concealing their faces within natural settings. Likewise, upholstered loungers and intricately carved wooden seats can be found in unexpected locations, precariously supporting a figure nestled in a narrow hedge or slouching down a gentle slope.
Recently, Rohan’s characters have gradually faded from her artworks. Limbs that once drew back curtains or reached for support have vanished, leaving only the domestic items behind. “I’ve found this quite freeing, allowing me to explore new ideas about the relationship between people and the landscape,” Rohan shared with Colossal. She mentioned that the bentwood chairs have taken on human roles in her paintings. “I love their elegant yet rickety construction, and I grew up with them around my kitchen table, so they’re a strong reminder of home for me.”
Several pieces from this evolving phase will be featured in Rohan’s solo exhibition, Invitations, at the Sophie Gannon Gallery in Melbourne this June. The exhibition will showcase scenes inspired by Rohan’s hiking adventures in Tasmania, with dramatic alpine peaks, swift streams, and lush meadows in springtime. In these settings, plaid tablecloths and crocheted blankets hover above the ground, as if suspended on a line invisible to the eye.
Rohan explains, “With their exaggerated patterns and strange billowing forms, they appear more ambiguous, wavering between unassuming decoration and smothering intrusion. From their precarious vantage points, the bentwood chairs no longer offer safe and restful repose. They invite the viewer to join their predicament.”
Discover more of Rohan’s artwork on Instagram.
