The Abi Box Masterworks exhibition, Noise Maker, which recently opened in The Loren’s Mare-e Lounge, is suggestive of colourful, exotic landscapes. Yet, according to the artist’s statement, her paintings are born partly out of slapdashery, derived from fast and erratic drawings that have been thrown together in stolen moments with whatever is close to hand, such as biros, pencils, markers, felt-tips, or crayons.

All these artistic accomplishments have taken place in between Abi being the mother of two small children. Given this exhibition’s end product, one could almost believe they belie what she has described as her way of working; nevertheless, I do believe it’s all true, all seemingly an amazing result of multitasking.

I have some understanding of Abi’s methods of making art; her allowing things to just happen and never admitting to the ruination of anything.

Years ago when teaching drawing, I would place a variety of objects on a stand, for the students to draw. I discovered that if I just picked up a bunch of stuff and then dropped them on the stand, they would frequently organise themselves in a far better arrangement that I could have ever managed.

At this junction, a quote by the French writer, Andre Gide, seems fitting: “Art is the collaboration between God and the artist and the less the artist does, the better.”

This allowing things to happen, it seems, is part of Abi’s methodology, but also, she edits her work and sometimes paints out intrusions that get in there way of creating successful compositions. Her work is a mix of spontaneity and intention.

This Masterworks, Loren exhibition consists of only seven paintings. Given this small number, it provides the visitor the luxury of viewing each painting as paintings should be viewed – with care, thoughtfully. One can wander slowly through each painting; along its pathways, meeting whatever wherever. Indeed, this is an exhibition by Abi in Wanderland and she is allowing us along for the stroll.

I am intrigued by the exhibition’s title, Noise Maker. Furthermore, each painting has its own engaging title. One such caught my attention; Oh Yeah, another is Caught by the Morning.

One of my favourites is Mega Mixer. It's a mix of warm, sunny colours, interspersed with cool blues indicating shade.

The paintings by Abi are pure visual poetry. One paragraph from the artist’s statement describes succinctly the details of her way of painting:

“These interactions, both intentional and unintentional, have driven this whole body of work, in some capacity towards texture.

“Visibly layered surfaces, thin translucent washes covered with rough and opaque, or heavily saturated brushwork. In the way that dry brushwork catches the weave of the canvas, like worn tapestries, the paintings have a patchy and threadbare quality to them.

“While simultaneous contrasts create a sense of depth; glowing opaque pastels pinging against dull atmospheric translucency.”

Make an effort to see this exhibition. You will enjoy the experience.

• The Abi Box exhibition was curated by the Masterworks curatorial team, along with the artist’s input, The exhibition runs through April 27, 2025