The work: Stef Rae, All Together Now, 2023. Oil on linen, 120 x 120cm. Courtesy: the artist.
Stef Rae’s All Together Now is an exquisite example of how expressionism can be used to explore themes of unity, strength, and reformation within our society. The figures seem to meld and integrate seamlessly with the amorphous background, creating a sense of unity and harmony within the piece. Rae’s masterful use of texture and colour in All Together Now adds layers of depth to the composition, creating a rich and nuanced visual experience. The resulting piece illustrates the limitless potential of artistic expression to inspire reflection, empathy, and social transformation.
Grace Alty, Curator, ARTIS GALLERY, Auckland
The vulnerability in reliance is emphasised in the nude depiction of two women seemingly in an attempt to pull each other up. The blocked out and pop-art appearance of the background brings emphasis upon the central figures. The figures are painted with visible brushstrokes and the mark making suggests a sense of grit. This is also seen in the painterly and expressive motion of paint in the background closest to the figures.
Anna Prifti, Gallery Director, West End Art Space, Melbourne