“I try to make the creative process symbolic of the emotions and messages I wish to convey. I hope it infuses the art with its own history, narrative and voice.” Rachel Dioso-Villa

Apr 12

Written By GoLive

Rachel Dioso-Villa will be one of the amazing artists in Tyger’s upcoming group show, *Living in Another World*.

Tyger is beyond excited to welcome the outstanding artist Rachel Dioso-Villa for our upcoming abstract landscapes show, Living in Another World.

The show brings together around 40 artists from all over the country to show us the world we know and love through an abstracted lens.

Living in Another World runs from 19-28 April at Tyger Gallery in Yass. The online catalogue for the show will go out to subscribers in the week before opening. Sign up here to make sure you don’t miss out.

Rachel is both an academic and an artist, and won the People’s Choice Award at the Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award in 2023. Her work for the Award, Can You See Me Now, shone a light on issues of domestic violence and injustice faced by women in the criminal justice system.

Ahead of the show opening, Rachel told us about finding hope in adversity, the deep research that goes into each of her artworks, and the “creative playground” of her addiction to sketching.

How would you describe your work?

“My artwork is predominantly expressive abstract, although I often integrate representational elements to tell a story.”

“As a criminologist and socio-legal scholar passionate about researching miscarriages of justice, my art also delves into themes of resilience, social justice, and human vulnerability. I'd describe it as introspective and emotionally charged (that is how I feel when I make it!), with narratives of hope shining through even in the face of adversity.”

Tell us about where and how you create your work?

“I create my work at the dining room table after my kids are in bed, and my husband is nearby in the adjoined living room. Working in this shared space makes me feel most at home and free.”

“As a mixed-media artist and academic, I relish learning new techniques to expand my creative toolkit. Each project begins with thorough research, allowing ideas to percolate, sometimes for weeks or months, before translating them onto canvas. The choice of materials and methods is often deliberate, as I try to make the creative process symbolic of the emotions and messages I wish to convey. By doing this, I hope that it infuses the art with its own history, narrative and voice.”

What inspires you?

“When it comes to inspiration, I draw from a diverse range of influences. From the traditional masters such as the vibrant palettes of Matisse and the expressive landscapes of The Group of Seven, which I grew up admiring in Canada, to contemporary artists like Frida Kahlo, whose raw honesty in personal narratives resonates deeply with me. Additionally, Judy Watson's powerful reflections on Indigenous rights and societal norms inspire me to explore the intersection of research and art and John Olsen's expressive lines capturing the essence of time and place, all contribute to shaping my artistic voice.”

“Most importantly, my research, family life, and experience as a transplant in Australia serve as constant source of inspiration and are what keep me going.”

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

“When people see my art, I want them to feel curious, to dig deeper and wonder about the meaning behind the piece. I hope they get up close and intimate with the work, as there are often details that are hidden and revealed in the many layers.”

“Ultimately, I hope that it moves them or sparks conversations and maybe even inspires action.”

Anything else you want to tell us?:

“On top of my larger projects, I'm a bit of a sketchbook addict. I treat them like my creative playground and usually have five on the go. Whether I'm waiting in line or just out and about, you'll often find me with a tiny sketchbook in hand, capturing scenes and moments as they unfold. They help me maintain a regular art practice and keep my ideas fresh and current.”

“Additionally, I had the honour of painting the cover of the textbook, Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice: An Australasian Perspective (2024). I also received the People’s Choice Award for my painting 'Can You See Me Now?' at the Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award in 2023, shedding light on issues of domestic violence and injustice faced by women in the criminal justice system. These were significant moments of synergy between my art and research.”