The Nature Within

This body of work explores the raw, unspoken experiences of womanhood, highlighting the journey of learning and unlearning, navigating motherhood, and grappling with the expectations and demands placed on us by society and ourselves. Through reflecting on my own experiences, I have come to appreciate the importance of authenticity and the profound connection between nature and self, focusing on how deeply the natural environment impacts our emotions.

Using an abstract approach with layers of acrylic, oil sticks, and elements drawn from the natural world, I intentionally create very raw and gritty base layers in darker tones. These represent women at their most vulnerable - at their bare roots, with struggles laid bare. Over these layers I apply softer, watered down tones that emulate a more delicate exterior, drawing attention to our tendency to mask the rough and chaotic moments with a façade of calm. Incorporating natural elements from my surroundings into these works is crucial, as the natural world serves as a sanctuary where we can feel held and connect our inner world with the external landscape around us.

This body of work speaks to the complexities of being a woman – the coexistence of light and joy with the weight of expectations and struggles. It invites the viewer to witness their own inner emotional world, exploring the interplay of beauty and hardship that defines the human experience.

Hayley Addlem is an abstract artist based in Castlemaine, Victoria. Initially pursuing a career in interior design, Hayley later realised that her true passion had always been creating art and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Visual Culture.

Growing up in rural NSW, Hayley has always been inspired by her natural surroundings and the human experiences that come from immersing oneself in nature. Her work often blends these influences with memory and emotion, leading to abstract representations of landscapes. These pieces invite a sensory engagement that connects our inner world with the external landscape around us.

Hayley predominately uses acrylics and oil pastels to create expressive paintings. By incorporating water and natural found materials, she builds layers of colour, texture, and pattern to create a sensory narrative that helps us better understand our place and identity.

The exhibition run from 22 February - 22 March 2025

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