SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY 2019 | Jamie Preisz

In this captivating new body of work, Preisz brings together another curious assortment of objects to generate and encourage conversations to take place between the artworks and the viewer. Between bright shades of pink and blue, we see Preisz resurrect the spirit of the lifeless and explore themes of identity, masquerade and memory. Throughout the paintings, Preisz facilitates objects from past, present and future the rare chance to find common ground, ultimately forging new meaning in the presence of the viewer. The objects in the paintings exist together harmoniously, despite their conflicting ages and aesthetics—a ram’s skull, a mask and classical bust are positioned beside fake flowers, a helium balloon and lucky cat. They’re autonomous, but also reflective—both literally and figuratively. However uncanny or humorous the painting’s subject matter may be, Preisz’s technique and considered attention to detail does not falter.