Those of you familiar with the work of Linda Skrolys know that her source of inspiration is her own family's history. As migrants to this country from war torn Europe, Skrolys' parents brought with them stories and memories from 'the old country' along with hopes and dreams about the new. This 'baggage' is what informs the artist's work and her honesty is what engages the viewer.
The paintings in this exhibition seem easier to access then those of previous shows. Skrolys is still looking inward but these works reach out more to embrace a broader audience. Perhaps it is because here the artist is not as involved in personal symbols as she is in dealing with familiar moods. Not all migrants experience the same events, but all live the same emotions. These moods and emotions are easily recognized in her series of portrait heads where the artist portrays different individuals known to her in what might be their 'signature mood'. Because these expressions are universal and the artist has used rich colours and simplified facial features, these busts become archetypal portraits. Since we all know someone who either holds their head up high with pride, tilts it in wishful thinking or looks unflinchingly back at us, we can equate these faces with our own friends or family.
The narrative images refer experiences many of us can relate to. For example, in The Seventh Heaven a reclining nude drifts in a nether space between earth and sea. A piano keyboard emerges from her mind, curves across the body into a small memory picture of a woman playing the instrument. I can read this image on a personal level as my mother played and often when I miss her I'll pop in a CD of classical piano music and drift into happy memories.
Siena of Evangaline, a large painting, involves a blue angel holding a boat containing a smaller angel. Big hands and thick supporting legs easily bear the heavy burden while the serene expression on the face suggests it is a labour of love. This is a powerful image of spiritual and physical strength. On a much smaller scale, Guardian Angel offers an equal sense of security. Here two figures, one cool in colour and light in tone the other warm hued and dark, fit cosily in the frame. They may represent a physical and a metaphysical entity sharing the same space, or just two people in a close personal partnership of mutual reliance. However the image is interpreted, it is a stunner in its painterly aspects and thought provoking attributes.
Skrolys is still enmeshed in her own family history
but thankfully these works are more inclusive of the audience. There
is still an unevenness in her work, however, in those images where she
hits her stride, this artist offers us highly satisfying viewing.