Amsterdam Whitney Gallery's
Press Release

MELINDA McCARTHY
"BEYOND DREAMS to FANTASIES" JUNE 4 - JULY 6, 2010

“Imagination is the real and eternal world of which this vegetable universe is but a faint shadow,” once pronounced William Blake. Enchanting the eye, psyche and soul, Contemporary Australian born artist Melinda McCarthy embodies this sentiment through her mystical paintings which prompt the spectator to explore beyond their earthly realm and enter into a world of magic, mystery and wonder.
Ms. McCarthy’s compositions are virtual tapestries of fairy tale narratives, ancestral lore and mythical symbolism. She depicts mythology from cultures ranging from shamanic tribes, Hungarian villages and the Ancient Celts – such as illustrations of age-old lullabies and native superstitions. In a style similar to that of William Blake or Francisco Goya, deep, shadowy scenes are accented with bold color and fiery light to convey an eerie sense of mystery: the golden light of a lantern cuts through the jet black of midnight, the orange glow of a magical parasol held by a pixie illuminates a forest or silvery blue moonbeams shining on fantastical creatures. Her jewel-toned color palette, featuring emerald green, lapis lazuli blue, ruby red and luminous gold, lends the scenes an aura of regality and history which brings to mind the early Renaissance masters Duccio and Cimabue. Ms. McCarthy’s unique style, however, blends traditional elements with surreal touches, such as two-dimensionality set against three-dimensional figures, dazzling symbols floating mid-air and stylistic architectural backdrops. Ms. McCarthy’s whimsical illustrations transport the viewer to the mythical dreamscape of a fairytale - allowing the viewer to comprehend and relish that which is obscure, freeing the mind of any apprehension of the unknown.
A resident of Melbourne, Melinda McCarthy’s exquisite artwork is held in private collections worldwide. Ms. McCarthy’s art has been shown in exhibitions worldwide, including England and Italy. Amsterdam Whitney Gallery is thrilled to shine a spotlight on her stunning paintings.