Paul Bibby
There are times when artist Rose Miho finds her erotic watercolour works difficult to look at.
‘Sometimes they confront me in a way I didn’t expect,’ she says.
‘But I guess that feeling of confrontation is part of what it’s about. I want people to feel that and to look at why.’
Growing up in a society saturated with pornography and masculine constructions of female sexuality, the Mullumbimby artist explores eroticism from a consciously feminine perspective.
The pieces feature a striking eroticism, which is set amidst intricate ornamentation that reflects Ms Miho’s work as a Henna artist.
‘I was exposed to porn and it didn’t leave me with a good feeling, so I wanted to create something more connected,’ she says.
‘It’s about women reclaiming their bodies and seeing their bodies and their sexuality as natural and normal, without judgment.’
‘I think that can be quite challenging for people, but I think it’s good to be challenged, including for me.’
It is with this goal in mind that Ms Miho is releasing a selection of her erotic watercolours into the world on June 7 at an event which will also mark the opening of her new studio – Studio F.
Located in the old Mullumbimby industrial precinct on Mill Street, Studio F is a space where Ms Miho hopes she and other local creatives can explore freely.
‘It’s really coming from the need to have a space for me to be creative where there are no rules other than my own,’ she says.
‘I’d love to expand it and bring other people in.’
The opening night will include an open mic for local poets, musicians and performers of all kinds to share their creations, and will also feature some of Ms Miho’s own poetry, including one poem/song called ‘Words’.
‘There were so many things in the last couple of years that broke my heart – a lot of people to let go of,’ she says.
‘That’s what the song is about: how words can affect us in relationships.’
The opening of Studio F kicks off at 6pm at 28 Mill Street, Mullumbimby, with entry by donation.
Ms Miho’s works will be available for purchase.
For more information visit the Studio F opening Facebook event.
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