Vivian Messimeris

Vivian Messimeris is an Australian printmaker who predominantly works using a photographic silkscreen printing technique. She is a south-west Sydney based artist who has had her work exhibited in Sydney, Melbourne and a range of regional galleries throughout Australia.

Her work has a bold graphic, street-art style that harnesses the history of art as a vehicle for propaganda and protest. At present, she is exploring issues of animal extinction, with an emphasis on Australian native birds. She was especially moved by the 2019 UN report predicting that one million animals will become extinct this century – a direct result of human induced global warming. This, and the recent Australian bushfires make her current series A Degree of Difference especially poignant and relevant.

Through my series A Degree of Difference I am exploring issues of animal extinction. I was especially moved by the 2019 UN report predicting that one million animals will become extinct this century – a direct result of human induced global warming. This, and the Black Summer bushfires have further impacted on Australia’s already fragile ecosystems and their animal inhabitants.

My work intertwines images of native birds and flora, highlighting the interconnectedness between the two. The works contrast stark blacks against bright reds, yellows and greens, which make a visual link to fire and rebirth, yet also highlights the precarious situation facing our unique wildlife. The oval frame alludes to historical engravings by colonial artists and to notions of ceremonial decoration.

I work in printmaking and love the technical process of this medium. I use several techniques to develop my imagery. I digitally manipulate photographs and then transfer each layer onto silkscreen using a UV exposure method. The artwork is then printed by hand using a CMYK registration technique. The finished work is subtle, intimate and colourful.