Artists in Conversation with the Exhibition Curator, Katherine Roberts, Manly Art Gallery and Museum: Tina Barahanos

Tina Barahanos. Transfixed, M2 Freeway on the Way Home 2021

Transparency in Lightbox, edition of 2 and 1 x AP, 80 x 60cm

How does your work address the theme ‘to the edges’?

‘Transfixed, M2 Freeway On The Way Home’ is part of a series of lightbox works that take their reference from the edge of the roadside, a view that is generally observed through peripheral vision. This is where I wanted to focus my attention, find inspiration and distraction from my day. A place where imagination takes over and patterns are created as the roads edge moves along with me. I am entertained by the abstracted creations where the blur of movement fuses the real and phantasmagorical. It became my muse.

Can you describe the technical process you went through to achieve the finished work and what technical challenges you encountered along the way?

This image was taken from my car window, while travelling along the M2. (I was the passenger of course).  Using digital editing I strive to create work that looks for similarities between digital print and etching, between realism and abstraction. The work is then sent to the fabricator where the lightbox is made. 

One of the technical challenges I faced was with the level of lighting. It was originally far too bright and was washing out the image. I incorporated a dimmer for a period of time to help work out what brightness was required. The lightbox was then adjusted to half the light strength. And the final light box manufactured.

What do you see as the role of Sydney Printmakers for the next 60 years?

To continue to inspire and nurture newer generations of printmakers. 

How do you see the role of printmaking, in general, contributing to the conversation about contemporary art practice?

I think printmaking will continue connect and engage through cultural commentary and personal expression.