"Conversations" by Brittany Ferns

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Winning bid
$5,100

About this item

"Conversations" by Brittany Ferns
132.7cm x 171.1cm

Britt Ferns work, Conversation pays homage to HMRI Researcher of the Year 2020, , Distinguished Laureate Professor Nick Talley AC and his recent discovery of the bowel disease, Duodenal Eosinophilia. Conversation, like the human body requires it be understood as a holistic entity. On first glance, two figures sit opposite each other, as if they are in conversation, highlighting Professor Talley’s evidence-based research on the continuous exchange of information between the gut wall, bacteria and the nerves. Encapsulating the concept of ‘good vs bad’ gut health, one side of the artwork is tonally darker than the other; represented by two figures who sit facing each other. The figure on the left-hand side is represented as ‘good’, while the figure on the right is represented of the ‘bad’. Ferns palette directly references the colours that are seen upon investigation of the digestive system. The darker browns and yellows are symbolic of an unhealthy gut, whilst the pinks reference a healthier gut. There is also further symbolism echoed with the addition of the blooming flower in the figure on the left’s hair; indicating how when optimal gut health is achieved, the mind and body flourish. When the viewer takes a step back, the outline of an obscured face is visible. Looming behind the two more prominent figures is the impression of Professor Nick Talley. Professor Talley has a vivacity and passion for his work and is continuously motivated by his patients and students. That he has been painted into the background of the work is a subtle nod to his humble nature and tireless effort in not only discovering a modern disease, but also actively working to find a treatment for it – to  help his patients and to make a difference in the world. Professor Talley's impressive record includes recently discovering the bowel disease, Duodenal Eosinophilia. The disease is found in 40 per cent of people suffering from functional dyspepsia, a previously unexplained and severe form of indigestion that displays burning symptoms.
"We have been able to prove that inflammation in the gut is an important activator for disease, a fact that is now becoming well accepted but certainly was not when we started this work," he said.

About the Artist
 

Brittany Ferns is an Australian Visual Artist based in Newcastle, NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Communication and Design and spent ten years working as a Graphic Designer and Textile Designer in Sydney and Los Angeles. She now lives in Newcastle, Australia with her husband Ben, son Zali, daughter Edie and dog Coco.  

On first glance, Ferns paintings depicts a snapshot of tropical landscapes; of swaying palms, of a calm ocean framed by rolling hills in the distance. Like little post cards representing a moment in time, that imply “from where you’d rather be”.  But look a little closer, and her works reveal a more profound connection to place, memory and personal history.  

Her portraits are manifested from her imagination, a search for her identity, although of no one in particular, they are contemplative and depict a slower and quieter place. 

 

Update at 1:57pm, 28 November 2021

The bid increment was changed from $20 to $100.

Bidding ended: 4:00pm, 28 November 20214:00pm, Sunday 28 November 2021Australia/Sydney
Bids for this item are in Australian Dollars.

Bidding

Bidder Time Bid
kent_1 3:44pm 28 Nov 2021 $5,100
slmarkey 3:36pm 28 Nov 2021 $5,000
For the love of art and medical research 3:29pm 28 Nov 2021 $4,700
Amy-Lea Pettigrew 3:15pm 28 Nov 2021 $4,600
slmarkey 3:14pm 28 Nov 2021 $4,500
Kavita Payall 2:49pm 28 Nov 2021 $4,000
slmarkey 2:46pm 28 Nov 2021 $3,800
wranc 2:15pm 28 Nov 2021 $3,700
For the love of art and medical research 1:46pm 28 Nov 2021 $3,500
wranc 8:41am 28 Nov 2021 $3,120
For the love of art and medical research 8:43pm 26 Nov 2021 $3,100
EWB 6:55pm 26 Nov 2021 $3,000
TheBeagle 4:42pm 26 Nov 2021 $2,800
For the love of art and medical research 8:52am 25 Nov 2021 $2,700
cookies 12:45pm 21 Nov 2021 $2,600
For the love of art and medical research 6:02pm 18 Nov 2021 $2,500
cookies 7:24pm 17 Nov 2021 $2,100
For the love of art and medical research 7:06pm 17 Nov 2021 $2,000
wranc 4:36pm 17 Nov 2021 $1,200