Elements of a classical facade

In her 19th solo exhibition with the gallery since 1983, Linda Marrinon continues her distinctive reimagining of art historical tropes through hand-modelled plaster and bronze forms. Drawing on the aesthetics of classical antiquity and 19th century studio practice, these sculptures adopt the gestures, accessories and attitudes of bygone eras while gently unsettling their authority.

Ranging from modest busts to commanding large-scale figures, the exhibition’s subjects span from Roman Emperor Charlemagne to former RocKwiz host Julia Zemiro. Marrinon enlists a cast of characters – both real and imagined – that reflect her enduring interest in costume, caricature and the performance of identity.

As we wind our way through the space, we encounter Marrinon's quirky troupe scattered across the gallery like debutantes awaiting their dance cards. Clad in flamboyant, pillowy dresses, adorned with flowers and swathes of gorgeous silks and bouncing taffeta, they appear expectant – eager to catch the viewer’s eye or to take a turn around the room. Rendered in lollipop hues and texture reminiscent of icing on a cake, these delectable figures are Marrinon's sculptures expanded to nearly life-sized scale. They are bold, beautiful and endearingly sassy.

The result is a body of work that is at once sincere and irreverent, earnest yet tongue-in-cheek. As we stroll through the gallery-cum-ballroom, it becomes clear these are not merely ladies-in-waiting – they are in fact leaders and feminists, stridently positioned in glittering tiaras and pink cummerbunds, surveying their dynasties from pedestal heights (with a few 'sentimental blokes' thrown in for good measure).