Rebecca Sitar

Artist Statement

Concepts I'm much more interested in issues of transference and metaphor in abstract painting than the self-reflexive approach that deals purely with process. My aim is to achieve images that are contemplative and redolent with subjective references whilst at the same time, more formal issues are also dealt with. The conceptual basis of the work and the exploration of process seem to exist simultaneously within each image. Work is borne out of the accumulation of references some purely visual, some to do with words, memory and experience. One consistent reference has been the form of haiku poetry. Conditions of light, air and natural phenomena are alluded to in my work, inherent in the haiku's framework. 'Sitar's paintings give material form to the intangible. In them she captures the essence of time, an effect of light, a place, an experience. They are revelations. What Virginia Woolf describes as 'moments of being' and are achieved through a meditative painting process'. Mary Griffiths, curator, Whitworth Art Gallery, October 2000.Influences Philosophy: Gaston Bachelard, 'Poetics of Space', Artistic & Cultural; literature, music, poetry, film, dance. Specific; Michael Ondaatje, Paul Auster, Annie Proulx, Michelle Roberts, Steve Reich, John Adams. Krystof Kelowski, Andre TarkovskyCareer path Qualifications: 1992 MA, Painting, Manchester Metropolitan University 1991 BA Hons, Fine Art, Winchester School of Art 1990 Erasmas European Exchange, University of Barcelona Teaching Experience: 2000-present Part-time Lecturer, BA Visual Arts, Bolton Institute 1999/01 Visiting Lecturer, Fine Art Department, Lancaster University 1992/99 Part-time Lecturer, Art and Design, Blackburn College 1997/02 Visiting Lecturer, Fine Art Department and Historical and Critical studies Department, University of Central Lancashire Areas of work: Exhibiting Lecturing Practice-based research Residencies Radio/TV Collections: Deutsche Bank Collection, London Manchester City Art Gallery; Patron Loan Collection DLA Dibb Lupton Aslop Soicitors, London British Midland Airways, Manchester Airport Manchester House, North West Arts Board