For their first exhibition of 2024, The Poi Room presents 'Take Shape', a collection of works from three incredible artists.

Originally from Melbourne Australia, Cam Munroe is an accomplished painter and mixed media artist showcased at The Poi Room.  Munroe’s work features as part of the upcoming exhibition alongside works by Sheree Willman and Pip Woods, all now hailing from the Pōneke, Wellington region. While each has a distinctly different style, their use of line and form to create shapes connects the works creating a beautiful synergy between each piece.

Munroe’s paintings speak confidently of shape & gesture, often drawing inspiration from the contemporary language of religious & cultic faiths - the ways in which science interacts to form a single path back to a 'point of origin'.

Renown for her large-scale works, and use of symbols, motifs and geometric shapes with strong links to historical iconography, Cam Munroe's work is instantly recognisable. The success of Munroe's body of work is due to her technique, restraint & ability to problem-solve. Every mark captures a series of thoughts & moments shared with ink & acrylic paint.

Kapiti-based artist Cam says, "In this series, I am embracing the unexpected in more open compositions. I'm finding meaning in chaos and enjoying the journey that emerges from each canvas."

We spoke to Cam in the lead up to the exhibition about inspiration and the new collection.

N. Can you tell us about your journey, what inspired you to become an artist?

C. It was either an Archaeology or an Art career for me. From a young age drawing and painting were second nature to me. I believe as Human beings we each have a creative spark dwelling in us somewhere. For some it might be singing, cooking or gardening. Mine are still drawing and painting. On my ancestry research journey I discovered a Tinsmith, a Shoemaker, a Milliner and a Baker in my
genetic heritage.

N. Where do you find inspiration?

C. I have a preoccupation with human history and its ancient past relating to landscape. The intentional spaces and marks left behind intrigue me, and my search for detailed learning is never satiated. My curiosity finds a connection through my own artistic expression. My process is also inspired by visits to prehistoric petroglyph sites. Today I am in search of more abstract creative motifs, exploring the underlying construction of mark making and composition and opening new visual perspectives. In these paintings I am loving and embracing the unexpected in more open compositions. I'm finding meaning in chaos and enjoying the journey each canvas takes me on.

N. What is your favourite piece from the collection?

C. 'The Big Hug' It's a large quatrefoil-shaped piece, the first completed for the exhibition. I
enjoyed its influence in the studio while working on the other pieces.

Take Shape, exhibiting now at The Poi Room, 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket until 28th April, 2024.