Rhonda Cao

Rhonda will showing new work in the gallery in August 2011 in the exhibition "Garden Secrets"

Rhonda Cao is a Brisbane based sculptor exploring the human body in bronze or glass.

For the "Garden Secrets" exhibition Rhonda has explored the nursery rhyme

"Mary Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells

And pretty maids all in a row

She has discovered an original language in her personal response to the male and also the female nude form. She responds to the human body, a subject much explored in the history of art, yet manages to come up with something totally new and original. She develops its abstract qualities making the bodies appear simultaneously both weightless and grounded.

Her figures have the heroic qualities of ancient Greek Gods yet are also literally iconic "bronzed Aussies" with such names as Tom, Dick and Mike. The girls are Narelle or Janelle.

Her series of "Tall Poppies" reflects the well-known Syndrome in Australian culture of early nurturing, then strangulation and confinement. Her sculpures exhibit a sense of humour and while the titles say "Don't take me seriously" there is an underlying strength of intention.

Collectors of Rhonda's work relate that living with a bronze sculpture in their home brings them endless joy. The pieces are the perfect size for a domestic or office setting to add that touch of class to a room or foyer.