Large swathes of oil paint and gestural application with a palette knife characterize Zaide’s visceral style of painting. As the viewer moves about each piece, the thickly worked, textural strokes weave together in a variety of ways to imbue the subject with life. These swirling compositions invite the viewer to dive into the solitary state in which the paintings were completed.
A Huntington’s Disease diagnosis and experience as a disability support worker informs themes of identity, imperfection and decay. The undulating peaks and troughs of oil paint on canvas show the tumultuous application by a hand affected by chorea. The expressive nature of Zaide’s work thus reflects on rejection of pre-established narratives in the artists’ life.
Zaide lives in West End, Queensland and is a resident at Merivale Studios, South Brisbane. They have been featured and included in numerous exhibitions, prizes, articles and projects in Australia. They run the Colour Collective, accessible & inclusive art sessions for LGBTIQA+ young adults living with disability and neurodivergence.
Established in 2021, the National Emerging Art Prize was created to provide an annual, highly visible national platform to identify, promote and support the most promising emerging visual and ceramic artists in Australia.