Finding balance: an artist’s kinetic journey

Melbourne-based artist Samara Adamson-Pinczewski has been transforming the way we perceive space and movement through her vibrant abstract works for over two decades.

“My abstractions are derived from everyday life and lived experience, in particular navigating architecture and urban space,” Adamson-Pinczewski told The AJN. Her work spans paintings, collages, constructions, sculptures and mobiles.

“My work is about the way I perceive the world. Some people are sensitive viewers and I would describe myself this way.”

The artist’s new show, Flying Colours, represents a significant leap in her practice, introducing kinetic mobiles that literally bring her abstract geometric forms to life.

“Flying Colours is a reference to the 3D printed, hand-painted kinetic mobiles in the exhibition, and the viewer’s experience of abstract geometric forms that float and rotate dynamically in space,” she said.

For Adamson-Pinczewski, who holds a PhD and has dedicated her career to developing what she calls her “own abstract visual language”, the move into kinetic sculpture feels like a natural progression.

“I’ve been juxtaposing multiple angles and viewpoints in my paintings and sculptures to create ambiguous spatial readings for some time. Making mobiles is an extension of this idea,” she explained, saying however that the technical challenges of creating these works have pushed her into uncharted territory.

“I was interested in how the sculptures would behave in space – how I could suspend forms, and in turn, find their centre of balance and balancing points, and allow each part to pivot.”

The exhibition also showcases new developments in her painting practice, featuring experimental metallic and iridescent pigments that create shifting colour effects, however she said they need to be seen in person to fully appreciate the effect.

The emphasis on direct encounters reflects her broader artistic philosophy.

“I love to share my art with others and see my work as incomplete without an audience,” she said. “Abstract art can be a powerful tool for visual communication and personal expression.”

Flying Colours is at Charles Nodrum Gallery from July 26 to August 16.