Symbios - solo show by Tara Winona

'Symbios' is a solo show by artist Tara Winona, being held at Gallery Different in London from 5th – 27th October. The private view opening is on World Animal Day, 4th October, 6 – 9pm. 

Winona created Symbios with the hope to inspire, to give nature a voice. Her art focuses on connections with nature – from endangered species, to mythical creatures; trees of life composed of the dancing bodies of humanity. 

Global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970, according to a report, The Living Planet assessment, by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and WWF.

"Now is the time to make wildlife important, to make nature personal. Once we lose it, it is gone." says Winona

Tara Winona creates her paintings from her studios in London and Sydney. Once a creative director for multi-media shows internationally, she became a professional artist 4 years ago, prompted in part by her experiences.  Travelling the world, she became increasingly alarmed at humanity’s disconnection from nature and from each other. Living in tall buildings, encased in glass and concrete, separated from the environment and communicating through phones and computers, a lifestyle experienced by millions of people, she began to ask the question: 

 ‘If we do not know what we are losing how can we protect it?’ 

Wildlife charity, Tusk, says ‘This growing disconnect with nature and lack of understanding of it is increasingly being seen as much of a threat to wildlife and natural habitats as the other more tangible threats.’

Working with a minimal colour palette she seeks beauty in simplicity, leaving space for the imagination. She paints with watercolour and acrylic inks, allowing these unpredictable materials to flow and have their own voice.

Winona imbues her animals with emotion and stories from her own life, such that her paintings almost become self-portraits, with representations of memories and insights. Her creatures fade into the canvases, signifying their endangerment.  They gaze out, their eyes speaking directly to the viewer - an invitation to feel, to suspend judgement. 

“When an animal’s eyes connect with mine, all of my masks drop away. I am left revealed.  It is this sense that I hope to convey through my paintings. That breath-taking moment in commune with life. My art is an invitation to connect - to nature, to each other, and to the deepest, truest parts of ourselves. I give Nature a voice and make her personal”