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
CV & Education
Solo exhibitions
2001 - Ritual, The Eagle Gallery, London
2000 - Mind Breaths, Tunrpike Gallery, Leigh, Gt Manchester
1997 - Lightness and Weight, Castlefied Gallery, Manchester
Group exhibitions
2000 - Beginnings, Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
2000 - Quiet Voices, The Eagle Gallery, London
2000 - Surface Presence, Sarah Myerscongh Fine Art, London
1999 - Slow Burn, 'Meaning and Vision in Contemporary British Abstract Painting, Touring: Mead Gallery, Warwick; Peter Scott Gallery, Lancaster; Leeds Met Gallery
1998 - Delicate Dissidence, Woodlands Art Gallery, London
1994 - Unveiled: Possibilities in abstract painting, The Cornerhouse, Manchester