Louise Peat

Biography

Statement

As a result of new technology systems we are now more connected then ever before. The internet continues ever-rapidly to evolve and shape the world we live in. This can be seen within the relationships created and maintained through our phones, as well as in the relationships that we have with our communication devices in themselves. This has impacted upon one of life’s most important assets; the time to pause, embrace silence, listen, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation.

Louise Peat’s current body of work examines how the development of the online social world is affecting identity and social behaviour. She focuses on communication and specially alludes to the way people today keep in touch by interacting through a screen – via social media and internet networks trying to perpetuate social bonds, relations and intimacy. The artist believes simultaneously there is a disconnect occurring, and that what is missing with most forms of modern communication is emotional exchange. She expressly asks – are we losing meaningful connection within the process?

Louise’s practice is characterised by an innovative approach to processes, methodologies and media. She employs multiple approaches and strategies in her art practice and is open to an investigation through painting, drawing, print, installation, sound, and digital to create and inform her work. The work includes computer-generated drawings constructed in virtual spaces, scanned paintings and screen shots, which she makes physical through the medium of printingmaking.

Peat is interested in the production of virtual archives on personal devices that are saved in digital folders and unlikely to ever be made tangible. In Peat’s current body of work she has mined her own virtual archives, transforming them into a tactile print series. The digital print then is worked on with traditional printing mediums including emboss and screen print, in a process of slow accrual. The final pieces are hybrid blends of digital and traditional image-generating methods by the artist.