Past | NUE: Exploring Raw Expression

NUE: Exploring Raw Expression

Debra Winn

12.09.23 - 23.09.23

‘NUE’, presents a captivating body of Debra Winn’s artwork that delves into the realms of nudes and dancers through various artistic mediums. This diverse collection showcases her passion for monotypes, drypoints, etchings, and sculpture, ranging from intricate 30cm pieces to strikingly large 6ft monotypes.

Among the highlights are bronze sculptures, featuring abstract wing shapes in flight and figures of a nude and dancer adorned in flowing bronze dresses. Drawing inspiration from Alice Topp's 'Aurum,' some dancers are depicted in gold flowing dresses, while other works, steeped in dramatic chiaroscuro, are inspired by Wayne McGregor's 'Obsidian Tear.'

The nudes in Debra’s art are an amalgamation of life model sketches transformed into monotypes, printed onto richly textured, painted paper. Additionally, large monoprints were explored, directly imprinted from a live body onto Japanese rice paper in expressive poses, resulting in abstract and emotive expressions.

Throughout the collection, Debra incorporated gold paint and pressings of feathers, symbolizing freedom and freedom of expression, visually linking the sculptures and dancers with the raw and vulnerable essence of the nudes.

The exhibition's title, ‘NUE’, derived from the French word for nude, bare, naked, in the raw, serves as a unifying element. It encapsulates the essence of this showcase, where artists, choreographers, dancers, and models alike strive to explore and portray expression in its most honest and unadorned form—both physically and emotionally, with an unwavering commitment to authenticity.