KATHIE NAJAR
Kathie Najar is an artist and visual arts facilitator that creates immersive site- specific visual experiences. Referencing histories, patterns in nature and in particular Islamic geometry, her visual language can attract, provoke and challenge spatial and relational perceptions. Kathie has attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s of Art Administration, both at College of Fine Arts, University of NSW. She has won art awards and residencies nationally for her collage, hand-painted tile, sculptural and watercolour artworks. Most recently she was selected to exhibit in Hazelhust Art on Paper Award Gymea, Glamfest Residency and Laneway Festival in Broken Hill NSW, Hidden at Rookwood, and Eden Unearthed North Ryde. In May-June 2023 Kathie completed a two-month artist residency at PADA in Lisbon, Portugal.
Constellation Pool
This hand-painted tile panel was inspired by the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam and a symbol of peace and unity for the Islamic faith. The architecture of Constellation Pools, with its many small windows, sparkles and reflects shards of light like a brilliant starry night sky. It is embellished with arabesque patterns inspired by Currumbin’s native flora and fauna. Presented horizontally, this artwork embraces diversity by harmoniously representing the three Abrahamic religions. The central reflection pool serves as a reminder that we are all connected under one sky.
Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?
I was drawn to this specific site along Currumbin’s foreshore (where land meets sea meets sky), to make an artwork about constellations; the patterns that help people orient themselves using the night sky. Here in ‘Constellation Pool’, I have referenced the architectural framework of a mosque from a contested site that has been inhabited by multiple cultures and faiths for centuries, and where these layers of shared histories are still exposed. I have added another layer to these shared histories by infusing local native plants and doves (as a symbol of peace), into this hand painted tile panel. This inclusion anchors the artwork to this also contested site, yet all this cultural diversity still resides in peaceful harmony.The central mirror section acts as a reflection pool, for cleansing, remembering, and re-orientating ourselves to unity under one sky.Each of the 200 tiles have been painted and refired multiple times to active the depth of colour. The tiles have been glued and nailed to a timber frame and positioned so it hovers just above ground.
How do you feel when you see people interacting with your sculptures?
Working in public space is always rewarding for me, it is an opportunity to engage with audiences that don’t visit gallery spaces. It offers a moment to pause, reflect and have an exchange with the artist, as well as receiving receive feedback.
Website kathienajar.com
Instagram @najstudio
Come and see for yourself at SWELL Sculpture Festival, Pacific Parade, Currumbin 6th – 15th September.