From her earliest shows to this latest retrospective, Janine has brought colour, energy, and heart to our walls, and into the homes of collectors across Australia and around the world.
XOX brings together works that reflect her unique visual language of joy, connection, and storytelling, a testament to her evolution as an artist, and her deep creative spirit.
Ahead of the exhibition, we sat down with Janine to reflect on her journey, the stories behind the works, and what this milestone means to her.
It’s a special moment for all of us to be celebrating 25 years of exhibiting your work. What does it mean to you to be marking this milestone with Manyung?
I have been very fortunate to have forged tight bonds and deep understandings between all my galleries. Manyung, or should I say with Sharyn and David I have enjoyed real honest openness and strong support to build great exhibitions. Friendship and belief in each other has created a great positive energy and let the heart of my work to be embraced.
Looking through this body of work, did anything surprise you? A theme that kept showing up, or a piece that brought back a particular memory?
Haha well yes, I guess.
Fond memories of my children and their friends sitting ever so patiently on our handmade kitchen chairs as we set up games, did fake cooking, attempts at homework and talks of love and laughter.
All of my work comes from the same theme - LOVE- finding it, embracing it and letting it go! My work has just evolved as my children grew up and now with grandkids, I still paint with the narrative of celebrating the simple everyday things we often take for granted. Giving these simple moments great importance in our lives.
Your paintings are full of joy, connection, and storytelling. Have those themes evolved for you over the years, or do they feel just as strong now as when you first began?
Love is my superpower! Love just gets more layers as we travel through the years, our families grow, our friends take on more meaning, conversations are heart felt, and dreams get bigger and the fun erupts! Joy the magic!
Was there a piece in this exhibition that felt like a turning point, or maybe just a personal favourite you’re happy to see included?
There are many pieces that make my heart sing!
“All they packed were dreams“ is a favourite of mine, it harks back to days as a little kids with my big brother Peter, folding paper boats - our dream boats - and seeing how long they would float and make a dreams come true! And enjoying the creation of unique jewellery with my daughter Arkie has been a fun and inspiring adventure.
We know colour is a huge part of how you communicate emotion. Has your use of colour shifted over time, or does it still feel instinctive when you begin a new work?
Colour just comes naturally to me! However, I have a deep fondness to soft aqua blues, muddy pinks and gold leaf!
You’ve built an incredible career while staying true to your voice. What has helped you stay grounded and inspired across the years?
Art, sculpture, just creating has been my life, a lifetime adventure. There was no plan B really! I have been committed to storytelling, creating pieces to bring smiles to faces and start many a conversation. I want my family to live life with their heart on their sleeve, follow their dreams and create the best life they can. They are my motivation. They are the now and the future - go for it I say!
Can you tell us a little about how you begin a new piece, what does that first moment in the studio look like for you?
Big white canvases, large sheets of steel - they are all the same- but give them a song, a heartbeat and they come to life! All my pieces start with many layers of colours, ideas flow from conversations I have had or overheard, lyrics from a song, a glimpse of newfound love, or hands being held! Life.
Many of your collectors have followed your journey for years. What do you hope they’ll experience when they see this show, especially those who’ve been with you from the beginning?
For those who I have had the pleasure of meeting and those who I have not met yet, you will see me, just me wearing my heart on my sleeve.
Oh and a few exciting collaborations! And lots of new works!
Are there any stories behind the titles in this show? They always add such a beautiful layer to your work.
Every piece has a story! My story and your story. I love to chat about each piece and look forward to sharing these stories at the opening.
And finally, what’s next? Is there something you’re excited to explore after XOX?
Of course! Isn’t there always something!!!
There is always a new adventure to have, new ideas to explore, new stories to tell … bring on the next 25 years!!
