Chris Casali

Artist Statement

My work explores elements of abstraction, with hints of natural reference that consciously resonates a spiritual and historical connection to the land and sea. The detail in these works strive to imitate and symbolically reflect our environmental dilemma, one that's complex and silent, a dark brood that mediates between fear and hope.

My creative practice illuminates my relationship with a sense of environmental responsibility. One that profoundly encounters nature, contemporary spiritualism and its convergence in the natural and spiritual worlds. A deep connection, a spiritual phenomenon.

The immersion of oneself in the natural world is to feel the significance and value of life. A sense of oneness, unity and wholeness. A connectedness that is present and real and broils between the conscious and subconscious minds. It’s a kinship with all life, a spiritual and creative practice that is non-institutionalised. 

Biography

Chris Casali obtained a Diploma of Fine Arts from the National Art School, Sydney (1994), a Diploma of Graphic Design from Enmore Design Centre, Sydney TAFE (1998) and a Master of Fine Art with Excellence from the University of New South Wales Faculty of Art and Design (2018). 

Casali has exhibited in solo and group shows both in Australia and abroad, including Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy, and China. Her professional exhibiting practice was established in her mid 40’s, prior to this Chris embarked on a career in Arts Education and Arts Management, (Head of Visual Arts and Ceramics, Sydney Region, TAFE NSW). Since 2016 her exhibiting career and recognition of work has accelerated into numerous art competitions, including the Dobell Drawing Prize 22# (2021), KAAF Art Prize (2019), 3rd Taiwan Watercolour Award Exhibition (2019), Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize (Winner - Emerging Category, 2019); Splash McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award (2021, 2018); the Biennial International Marche d’Acqua Watercolour Prize (2018); the Kedumba Drawing Award (2015, 2016); The Macquarie Group Emerging Artist Prize (People’s Choice Award and Highly Commended, 2016); Tim Olsen Drawing Award (2016); Fishers Ghost Drawing/Printmaking Award (2014) and the Winsor & Newton Emerging Artist Prize (Highly Commended, 2013).

Her work is represented in public, corporate and private collections in Australia and internationally, including the Paper and Watermark Museum, Fabriano, Italy; the Kedumba Collection of Drawings, the Macquarie Group Collection, and the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Collection.