BIOGRAPHY
Catherine COADY, a Melbourne-based artist, intricately delves into the contemporary culture's pulse, particularly its fixation on consumption and youth. Her artistry traverses the realms of sculpture and painting, engaging with socio-psychological themes. At the core of COADY's interdisciplinary practice lies an interrogation of our self-perceptions and the fragile nature of our modern mindset.
Her oeuvre revolves around exploring mood dynamics, specifically the oscillations between manic and focused states. Through her work, COADY probes into issues like society's dependence on medication and the challenges of understanding ourselves in real-time.
Renowned for her technically intricate pill sculptures, COADY epitomizes a serene and composed mental state. In contrast, her paintings embody a frenetic and emotive disposition. The juxtaposition between these mediums reflects the intricate complexities of the human psyche, sparking candid discussions about its trials and tribulations.
COADY's pill sculptures, with their meticulous design and technical precision, serve as poignant reminders of our reliance on medication. Despite pills being ubiquitous in our lives for alleviating various ailments, their subtle elegance often goes unnoticed until magnified and rendered in a state of parody through COADY's artistic lens. Through her art, COADY prompts viewers to reevaluate their perceptions and engage in introspective dialogues about the multifaceted nature of the human mind.
"Over years of experimental exploration, I have pushed the boundaries of conceptual inquiry and embraced new technologies, leading to the creation of seemingly disparate bodies of work. However, beneath the surface, there exist enduring themes that unify my artistic endeavors.
My art revolves around the notions of bodily control, experiences of detachment and augmentation, and the seductive allure of pharmaceutical solutions promising to alter our emotions and behaviors with a mere pill. These themes probe the complexities of our relationship with our bodies and the tension between societal expectations and our innate selves.
Through my work, I aim to confront the dichotomy between our instinctual nature and the external forces that seek to manipulate and mold us. I challenge the notion that a quick-fix chemical solution can harmonize our mind and body, often at odds with each other. Instead, I strive for a deeper alignment between the two, recognizing the intricate interplay between our physical and mental states.
Ultimately, my hope is to spark contemplation and dialogue about the fundamental connections between our minds and bodies, inviting viewers to question the prevailing narratives surrounding health, identity, and the pursuit of well-being"
- Catherine COADY -