Table of Contents
Art Minute
The Sea, The Shore
| Title: | Meg Cowell - The Sea, The Shore |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 07:32 |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont |
| Cameras: | BMPCC, Sony NEX5s (lens whacking) |
Deeper Water
| Title: | Meg Cowell - Deeper Water |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 10:30 |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont |
About Meg Cowell
Early Life and Background
Born in 1983, Meg Cowell grew up in Hobart, Tasmania, where the surrounding natural beauty profoundly influenced her artistic sensibilities. Her early exposure to the arts fostered a deep appreciation for visual storytelling and the transformative power of imagery.
Artistic Development and Education
Cowell pursued formal education in photography, graduating with Honours from the University of Tasmania in 2007. Her academic training provided a solid foundation in photographic techniques and conceptual development, which she has continued to refine throughout her career.
Major Works and Exhibitions
Cowell's notable series, "To the Surface," features period garments submerged in water, creating ghostly, floating images that evoke themes of femininity and transformation. This series has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including solo exhibitions at Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne and Dickerson Gallery in Sydney. Her work has also been featured in group exhibitions at Obscura Gallery and Flinders Lane Gallery.
Technique and Style
Cowell's distinctive technique involves submerging garments in a 1000-litre inflatable pool lined with black fabric, then photographing them from above. This process allows the fabrics to float and billow, creating ethereal, sculptural forms that appear to be illuminated from within. Her use of water as a medium imparts a sense of weightlessness and fluidity, enhancing the dreamlike quality of her images.
Legacy and Influence
Cowell's innovative approach to photography has garnered critical acclaim and influenced contemporary photographic practices that explore themes of femininity and transformation. Her work is held in various public and private collections, including the City of Prospect Art Collection and Arts SA.
Recent Activities
In recent years, Cowell has continued to develop her practice, participating in residencies such as the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing (2016) and the Helpmann Academy residency in Rome (2012). She remains active in the Melbourne art scene, contributing to exhibitions and engaging with the artistic community.
References
- Meg Cowell Official Website
- Gather Academy - Interview with Meg Cowell
- Flinders Lane Gallery - Meg Cowell
- Light Journeys - Meg Cowell
- The Artling - Meg Cowell
