Rhonda Cao
Legends, Lies and Other Lame Excuses. November 2008
Rhonda Cao is a Brisbane based sculptor working exclusively with the human form in bronze or glass.
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.
Fallen Angel, Muriel, bronze, 54cm high, $3,750
Fallen Angel, Nathaniel, bronze, 54cm high, $3,750
Terrie Australis, bronze, 40cm long, $1,420
Tessa Australis, bronze, 40cm long, $1,420
From the "Sirens" Series, 43cm high, $2,450
From the "Sirens" Series, 43cm high, $2,450
From the "Sirens" series, 43cm high, $2,450
Two sculptures from the "Sirens" series
Swanning Around - "Janelle" , 72cm high $3,750
Woman Waiting
Shiela from the Sirens Series $2,450
Beached Bums, Johnno and Kev, 45cm long $1,420 each
Tall Poppies, Bronze, 70cm high, $1,850 Available on black marble bases