It’s art, it’s modern and as renowned author Leslie Howard described at the opening of Lee Scott Hempson’s Just Hussle OK exhibition, the great courage and spirit of the artist are beautifully reflected in the work.
As Barrydale awoke from its winter slumber, we were again reminded of the abundance of incredibly gifted artists who call this place home.
This was highlighted at MUD Modern on Wednesday during the opening of Hempson’s exhibition.
Hempson, a multimedia artist whose work spans poetry, painting, sculpture, animation and film, blends art, writing and design to explore the absurdities of society with a mix of humour and sharp social commentary.
A former art lecturer, her style has evolved from social realism in the 1980s to a more quirky and revealing narrative voice today.
Howard shared that when she first received the book, she read only half because she wanted time to absorb what she was experiencing.
“In one go would not have done it justice,” Howard said.
“Every time, on every reading, something new, something different comes to the surface, and that is an indication of the generosity of your work and the depth of thought that has gone into it.”
“In this collection of poems we see the social commentator at work in pieces such as Mortar and Wine, Hussle – A Tribute and Travels with Pink and Scull,” she added. “Here she reflects the absurdity of modern life and her reaction to an array of social disillusions.”
Howard said the storytelling strength in Hempson’s work is evident throughout the poems and that the accompanying visuals deepen the experience.
“Some of the poems are deeply revealing of herself and her soul, and it is brave to do that.”
Howard added that Hempson’s poems unpack soul stories and recommended that every book-loving art fundi gets a copy.
“Buy it. Read it. Don’t rush it. Read it meaningfully and soulfully. Study the details of the artwork and you will reap the rewards.”
