Rachel Rush is “one artist with two distinct styles of seeing the world”, a concept which manifests by way of her artistic alter ego, RUSH. From 15-30 October, Limn Gallery will present a series of RUSH’s mixed media works called Urban Exposure. Verve sat down with the self-taught artist to find out more.
“One artist with two distinct styles of seeing the world”, what does this mean to you?
RUSH is my graffiti, more rebellious side. I love the freedom of the spray cans, and the voice I get to use. Rachel Rush shows the mature side of my work, representing my love of colour. It’s really important that RUSH and Rachel Rush are seen as two independent artists. I have completely different futures planned for both. I love them equally, but like your own children, see them as whole individuals not two halves of a whole picture.
What’s your creative process?
My RR works are multiple layers of coloured resin on canvas. I can only work on one colour every 24 hours or so, building them up until I feel the magic is there. My RUSH graffiti starts with the creation of a freestyle abstract colour creation with the cans, then assigning them a personality and layering up the stencils. Once that process is complete, they move to a separate studio and for some added sass and a layer of clear resin to make it all pop.
How do you know when a work is finished?
They almost physically release you. All the energy disappears and there’s a sense of them not allowing you to touch them. And a sense of satisfaction.
What have been career highlights so far?
The first time I was accepted both for RUSH and separately for RR for international fairs was incredibly exciting. But best has been the amazing stories people tell me while in the process of selecting a piece of my work. Sometimes there are tears about what this particular piece means to them, and stories that give you goosebumps.
What can we expect from the upcoming show?
Limn Gallery and myself have come up with some pretty exciting elements that I’m super excited about getting my spray cans on! Several of these items will be unveiled during the show, so will stay secret for now! I have a couple of extra-size metal boards that look awesome together, exclusively for Limn, and some brand-new works.
Is the show themed?
It’s called Urban Exposure and is about exposing the rawness of graffiti and a suggestion of the grittiness of the street, aimed to disturb the correctness of city and society.
Located at 119 Ponsonby Road, the renowned Limn Gallery is New Zealand’s largest contemporary art space with close to 180 works by over 70 artists from Aotearoa and around the world. In between quarterly solo shows, Sip & Spray workshops, and private events, Limn Gallery hosts SKETCH, an evening that allows members of the public to sit alongside artists and draw, chat, eat and drink.
Find out more at limngallery.co.nz.
