Susan Andrews develops object-based painting that explores the relationship between the support structure and surface. The work investigates themes of division, displacement, and containment. Drawing inspiration from early 20th Century European modernist movements in architecture and design and 1960s-70s Post Minimalist painting and sculpture.
Andrews’ work is informed by everyday objects and images. These things act as triggers for new ways of thinking and making. The object-based work is (re)formed from wooden building material and reused painting stretchers. The process of working is contingent upon visual articulation of measurement, analysis, and critique. There is a visual dialogue developed between each of the works, signalling a continuing interest and articulation of ideas around seriality, irregular parameters, surface, and how the body interacts with objects and space.
Andrews continues to maintain the format of painting allowing for a subjective and poetic exploration of colour and form that simultaneously questions our social and personal systems of perception while reaffirming a relationship to aspects of the contemporary.
Susan Andrews was born in South London and migrated out to Australia in 1966. Andrews began her art studies at East Sydney TAFE (now National Art School) in 1981. From 1982-85 she completed a Bachelor of Fine Art and Graduate Diploma in Professional Art Studies at City Art Institute (now University of New South Wales Art and Design). An MA Hons at the University of Western Sydney Nepean was completed in 1997.
Andrews has been exhibiting work for over 30 years and held numerous exhibitions in commercial galleries and artist-run spaces. Her work has been exhibited in major curatorial exhibitions and art prizes. She has participated in several overseas and local art residency programs. Andrews has held tutorial and lecturer positions in painting, drawing, and sculpture across a range of institutions since 1987. She is currently a Lecturer in Painting at the National Art School Sydney. She lives and works in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.