DOWNLOAD May Trubuhovich 22 August – 12 September 2020
Download Series 1. Catharsis (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and acrylic ink on dyed cotton placemat; 315x430mm
$2500
Download Series 2. Witness III (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and acrylic ink on dyed cotton placemat; 320x445mm
$2500
Download Series 3. Story (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and acrylic ink on dyed cotton placemat; 320x440mm
$2500
Download Series 4. Teller (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and acrylic ink on dyed cotton placemat; 310x440mm
$2500
Download Series 5. Download (2020) button Cotton hand embroidery on velvet; metal button back; 64mm
$300
Download Series 6. Repository (2020) button Cotton hand embroidery on dyed cotton toile; metal button back; 64mm
$300
Memory Items Series 7. Memory Items I: Pen, Glass, Sunlight, Honesty (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and acrylic ink on cotton placemat; 330x460mm
$2500
Memory Items Series 8. Memory Items: Pen (Yellow) (2019) Cotton hand embroidery on vinyl placemat; 315x465mm
$2500
Memory Items Series 9. Memory Items: Glass (2020) Cotton hand embroidery on vinyl placemat; 315x465mm
$2500
Memory Items Series 10. Memory Items: Pen (Blue) (2019) Cotton hand embroidery on vinyl placemat; 315x465mm
$2500
Memory Items Series 11. Memory Items II: Pen, Glass, Sunlight, Honesty (2020) Cotton hand embroidery and velvet appliquĂŠ on cotton placemat; 350x490mm
$2500
Download Series These works explore an emotionally charged scene of storytelling. The teller, shrouded in a deep blue miasma-like cloud, shares her story with an attentive witness in plague doctor garb. This story becomes increasingly defined and lyrical as it unfolds towards its recipient. This series was conceived long before Covid-19 descended upon the world, but working on these pieces during isolation gave the themes of infection and protection a somewhat chilling new spin. Extending on my previous work, the imagery draws on popular illustrations depicting plague doctors from 17th Century Europe, in particular the satirical 1656 engraving by Paul Fürst, “Der Doctor Schnabel von Rom.” (“Doctor Beak of Rome”). With these works I explore a subjective experience of talking therapy, within the context of treatment for anxiety and depression. I am interested in personal narratives, or the stories we tell to ourselves and others, about ourselves and our experiences. Memory Items Series This series recalls a list of words I was asked to memorise as part of a mental status examination some years ago, when I had presented at my local emergency department with severe postnatal anxiety and depression. In my altered state I thought that the doctor had read my mind, and come up with a a list that was specific to me. I had been spending much of my time sitting on the sofa feeding my baby, with a GLASS of water ever-present to keep me well hydrated. I also had a PEN and notepaper handy to record the details of feeds and the seemingly endless amount of vital information. As it was summer in Sydney and we lived in a west-facing apartment, there was plenty of SUNLIGHT and I was finding it hard to cope with the heat despite a newly-installed air conditioner. With escalating anxiety, I was becoming increasingly paranoid and was terrified of speaking with complete HONESTY about my difficulty coping. I was quite proud of my ability to recall the items on the list a few minutes later, despite the fact that everything else was seemingly falling apart.
Notes on technique The embroidery style I have used is probably closest to the tradition of Opus Anglicanum, or English work. The dimensional aspect also draws inspiration from shallow-relief work such as that on coins, and sculptures of the Italian Renaissance. The pieces have mostly been worked in single strand, using split stitch.
May Trubuhovich May creates intricate textile works combining hand embroidery and painterly elements. Her works are quirky and contemplative, with a strong narrative drive. She has a particular interest in the subjective experience of mental health treatment. May graduated with a BFA (Film) from Ilam School of Fine Arts, Ōtautahi Christchurch, in 1992. Her short films from the 1990s, including the award-winning Feline, have been shown in art galleries and many international film festivals in Aotearoa NZ and internationally. May worked for several years in animation, illustration and design in Sydney; she returned to her art practice after coming back home with her young family in 2011. May’s name reflects her paternal Dalmatian ancestry; she pronounces it as the anglicised “True-buh-vitch”. She also has Scottish ancestry, and she lives in Hikurangi (West Auckland).