Evi O’s Creative Metamorphosis is Captured in Her Latest Exhibition.

Evi O with pieces from her show Supernova.

A Larger Than Life Mode.

A Precious Bloom.

A Virtuous Sequence.

An Invincible Supernova.

Sydney-based artist (and dear friend of Yellowtrace) Evi O is set to unveil her latest collection, Supernova, at Saint Cloche‘s booth during Sydney Contemporary 2024. This exhibition marks a significant departure from Evi’s signature two-dimensional works, embracing a bold new direction in materiality and form.

Supernova represents a transformative journey for Evi O, who has undergone what she describes as a “creative metamorphosis”. Drawing inspiration from the concept of holometabola—insects that undergo complete metamorphosis—Evi has liquefied and reconstructed her artistic approach.

The result is a series of sculptural works transposing Evi’s distinctive visual language into three-dimensional space. Created from cut, shaped, and folded aluminium, these pieces are coated with lustrous automotive paint, bringing her abstract flora and fauna to life in a way that’s both familiar and startlingly new.

What sets Supernova apart is its dynamic interaction with light and space. As Evi explains: “Each piece is made of cut and hand-folded aluminium, painted with ultra-gloss automotive paint. The artworks naturally find new physicality when interacting with light, casting ever-evolving shadows.”

This play of light on metal creates a constantly shifting visual experience. Imperfect angles along the forms generate a spectrum of colour tones across their surfaces, while complex shadows wriggle along walls, responding to the sun’s arc throughout the day.

Frames by Muller Van Severen.

By cutting and folding steel plates, Muller Van Severen create openings and depths that allow space for functions but also make the connection between reality and the imaginary.

More than just a change in medium, Supernova represents a philosophical shift in Evi’s creative process. The artist has embraced chaos as a generative force, understanding that within the unknown lies infinite possibility.

Evi’s artist statement references Friedrich Nietzsche: “One must have chaos in oneself to give birth to a dancing star.” This sentiment is evident in the collection’s vibrant energy and sense of unrestrained exploration.

The exhibition’s themes revolve around transformation and renewal. Evi’s sculptural works depict caterpillars morphing into butterflies, surrounded by blooms. These forms are complemented by the sun and moon representations, symbolising the cycles of time, life, and the mystical regenerations that occur in between.

Evi O is a multifaceted creative force based in Sydney, Australia. With over 15 years of award-winning industry experience, she seamlessly blends the roles of artist, designer, and publisher. Her artistic practice is driven by a genuine curiosity about the world and a desire to contribute to the broader environment. Supernova promises to be a visually stunning and conceptually rich exhibition, showcasing Evi O’s evolution as an artist and her willingness to push beyond the boundaries of her established practice.

Evi O's Debut Solo Show 'Fantasia' with Saint Cloche Gallery for Sydney Contemporary.

Evi O’s debut solo show ‘Fantasia’ encompasses paintings with 2D colour-blocking shapes that evoke stirring slices of life, some experienced, some observed.

A Daring Metamorphosis.

A Paradoxical Belief.

A Contemplative Eclipse.

[Images courtesy of Evi O. Photography by Daniel Shipp.]