Penelope Davis

Nestled in the vibrant artistic scene of Melbourne, Penelope Davis emerges as a pioneering post-photographic artist, challenging the traditional boundaries of the medium. Born and residing in this cultural hub, Davis is celebrated for her unique approach, crafting captivating images without the aid of a camera.

Penelope Davis's Art Style

At the heart of Davis's innovative technique lies the creation of cameraless photograms or scans. Her final images aren't simple photographs but intricate compositions capturing light refracting through transparent resin casts derived from objects like analogue cameras and old books. Davis employs elaborate sculptural techniques, meticulously crafting silicone molds and resin casts of the absent objects. The casts, in turn, become conduits for light to expose photographic paper, resulting in an indexical trace that is several steps removed from its original source. In this meticulous process, Davis not only captures an image but also documents a chain of transformations and inversions, mirroring the essence of traditional photography while infusing it with a fresh perspective.

In her recent endeavors, Davis extends her artistic exploration to create jellyfish forms. Using a collage of components from contemporary technologies, combined with organic materials such as leaves and seaweed, she molds silicone casts, which then serve as forms themselves. Through painstaking hand-sewing, these 'skins' come together to form delicate hybrid shapes resembling jellyfish. These artworks serve as reflections on our relationship with the natural world, highlighting the urgency of acknowledging our symbiotic connection and the imperative of a shared future.

Penelope Davis's Exhibitions and Accolades

Penelope Davis's artistic prowess has garnered widespread recognition, with exhibitions spanning across Australia and overseas. Her participation in prestigious group exhibitions, including those at the National Gallery of Victoria, underscores her impact on the contemporary art scene. Notably, she was the recipient of an Australia Council Studio Residency in Tokyo in 2003 and the ANZ Visual Arts Award in 2007. Collaborating with Stephen Haley, Davis received the Rupert Bunny Fellowship in 2015, showcasing their collaborative work.