THE PHOSPHENES COLLECTION

 ˈfɒsfiːn/ noun / plural noun: phosphenes – ‘A sensation of a ring or spot of light produced by pressure on the eyeball or direct stimulation of the visual system other than by light.’

The second collection for Wishbone Publishing by Katy Jade Dobson boasts a deluge of rich, vivacious colours and opulent textures in a joining of traditional oil painting with a modern presence. This coupling of classic inspirations and techniques, with contemporary deliverance shows a bold omnipresence throughout Katy’s work.

Based heavily around the word ‘phosphenes’ as inspiration for this chromatic collection, the idea manifests within the aesthetics of each painting as the appliqué, the composition and the subjects themselves. Each subject is built up by a kaleidoscopic arrangement, a series that is adorned with ancient symbolism and original use of symmetry to show a partial balance to which the heavy embellishments do not adhere to. Much like the erratic and abstract styling of the work in relation to its classic subjects.

Finding inspiration in the old masters’ appreciation for wistful women and romantic visuals, free flowing elegance with willowy and ethereal intensions, the subjects are submerged within exuberant embellishments of lavish colours and delicate details. The presence of wildlife interlaces throughout the collection as both symbolic connections or forefront subjects.

This collection celebrates a pure greed for colours, and to challenge the idea of the necessary reflections and absorptions of light to show ‘true to nature’ colours, when with the phenomena of phosphenes, no light needs to be present to see such a vibrant display.