The idea for this collaboration emerged from an art-swop between the artists sculptor Trevor Diabono and Johanna Barthet last summer. “Trevor gave me one of his amazing fish sculptures and I gave him two small paintings in return,” smiles Johanna, “and at the same time we spoke about a joint exhibition and now here we are, with Meople!”
Both artists are passionate about portraying people.
The word ‘meople’ is a fusion of “me” and “people”, prompting reflection on how personal experiences intertwine with societal narratives.
“Meople explores the interplay between individuality and collective identity,” explains sculptor Trevor.
“We decided on this title because it’s a way of expressing that the works are of people but they are our creations,” says Johanna.
“People are definitely my favourite subject to paint – I always joke that I were to fall into a coma and was given a pencil, I’d still draw a girl’s face!” she adds. “In this exhibition, for the first time I am showing paintings depicting groups of people as well as solitary figures.”
Johanna paintings offer expressive portraits that delve into the emotional and psychological facets of her subjects, often drawing inspiration from fashion editorials and social media platforms. Her work invites viewers to consider whether these figures are reflections of themselves or representations of broader societal themes. The works include a bar scene and a painting of dancers and an orchestra in a theatre tht is reminiscent of Degas’ classics.
“In contrast,” Trevor explains, “my sculptures present physical forms that echo the human condition, emphasizing the tangible aspects of identity and existence. Through varied materials and textures, these pieces aim to ground the abstract concepts explored in the exhibition.”
Together, in a cohesive narrative, the artists’ works – about 35 pieces in total – create a dialogue between the internal and external, the personal and communal, offering a multifaceted exploration of what it means to be human.
“During the preparation, we engaged in extensive discussions about the interplay between our mediums and how they could complement each other. One notable moment was when we realized that a specific sculpture and painting, created independently, shared striking thematic similarities. This serendipitous alignment reinforced the exhibition’s core themes and highlighted the subconscious connections in our creative processes,” Trevor continues.
Interestingly, “Meople” is as much about the space between the works as it is about the works themselves: it a quiet and introspective exhibition which has been curated to allow moments of pause and reflection within the gallery, and to give visitors the opportunity to contemplate their own identities and how they relate to the collective human experience.
Meople opens on Jun 6 at Art by the Seaside and runs until Jun 20.
