Artereal Gallery is excited to present a new body of work by Krystl Durant, a promising emerging artist who graduated from the National Art School in 2022. Her creative journey is deeply rooted in the realms of memory and personal experience, intricately interwoven to capture the essence of landscapes. Through her work, Durant endeavors to articulate a profound sense of place, oscillating between the realms of reality and imagination.

Where the Banana Leaf Grows stands as a testament to Durant’s transformative journey through Vietnam in early 2023. This series, born from her encounters during travels, is a poignant exploration of the banana plant, which emerged as a central motif throughout the year. Working primarily with oil on canvas, Durant employs a layered approach, skilfully manipulating light washes of paint to evoke a nuanced portrayal of place. Each stroke and layer, contributes to the palpable sense of space and time, inviting viewers into a realm where the past converges with the present.

Within her studio, Durant crafts her own frames and stretches her canvases, an integral part of her creative ritual. By actively participating in the construction of her artistic surface, she finds liberation and deeper appreciation for her evolving practice. This hands-on approach not only grants her artistic autonomy but also serves as a testament to her ongoing artistic evolution.

At the heart of Durant’s practise lies a profound desire to engage and captivate her audience, offering glimpses into her lived experiences. Delving into the intricacies of the banana leaf, she unveils its compositional, physical, and spiritual dimensions, inviting viewers to share in the joy and serenity of these landscapes. Drawing inspiration from the works of acclaimed artists such as Micheal Armitage and Peter Doig, Durant’s palette and technique bear traces of their influence. From Armitage, she inherits a vibrant approach to color and layering, while Doig’s brushstrokes and compositional prowess leave an indelible mark on her artistic sensibilities.

Through Where the Banana Leaf Grows Krystl Durant invites audiences on a transcendent journey, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the familiar is transformed into the sublime.