Cover Image Cutler A, Commencement (2023)
Amy Cutler and Anne Howeson are contemporary artists working with narrative frameworks in their arts practices. Both have distinct and recognisable visual languages, contextualising their compositions in individualistic ways, and both employ very different working techniques.
Research these 2 artists and their approaches.
Both artists work with a solid intention which is then realised by their connection to their chosen resources. The resources act as triggers to evolve a story and also visual references to work from.
The use of these resources elevate the work. Although (and more so in the case of Cutler), these details might not be appreciated without some prior knowledge. For example the meaning of the women holding the fabric outside of the frame, etc. That composition immediately sparks interest and intrigues the viewer into wanting to know more.
Cutlers style derives from Indian miniatures. It’s very palatable and suits the orderly nature of her subject. Although she is expressing anxieties and psychology, the polite nature of her drawings and dare I say prettiness, add to this muffled scream that represents the repressed feelings of these women. Something that is so often conserved behind appearance and order. The repetitive spacing of characters, semi submerged works the same magic of at first seaming so organised and correct, but actually they are struggling, unable to successfully help each other even though they want to.
For Howeson the photographs evolve her work, from their origins of ‘places’ to introducing physical subjects. It opens up another chapter to her storytelling.
Initially her work appeared to be the result of a subjective process. But on further inspection the context and reference for her compositions maintain throughout her practice. Like the continuous turning over of a stone in the hand.
I found Howeson’s work instantly engaging. Quickly there is a heavy emotion and serge of empathy which is not always a comfortable place to reside (as described in the Ofili / Rego comparisons). Through the style and technique she employs there is an instant connection to the drawings which increases as you learn more.
Cutlers more illustrative style engages a lighter response but hides sinister undercurrents. I find this duality increasingly intriguing. I guess it’s like choosing to watch a documentary verses a drama.
List of Images
Cover Image Cutler, A. (2023) Commencement. [Gouache on paper] At:https://www.perrotin.com/artists/amy_cutler/1552/commencement/83904(Accessed 30.05.2025).
Fig.1 Cutler, A. (2004) Trial. [Gouache on paper] At:https://www.mmoca.org/news/amy-cutler-a-narrative-thread/ (Accessed 30.05.2025).
Fig.2 Howeson, A. (2024) Exile. [Gouache conte crayon on photograph] At:https://annehoweson.com/series/fox-talbot/#gid=1&pid=6 (Accessed 30.05.2025).
Bibliograpghy
MMoCA (2021) Amy Cutler: A Narrative Thread. At:https://www.mmoca.org/news/amy-cutler-a-narrative-thread/ (Accessed 30.05.2025).
Fox Talbot (2024) Anne Howeson At:https://annehoweson.com/series/fox-talbot/ (Accessed 30.05.2025).