In this recent body of works, Sue Frew takes inspiration from ancient mythology and some of the greatest classical works of art, music, literature and opera produced in western culture, including Salome, Carmen, Rigoletto and Leda and the Swan.

Using a series of direct and indirect references and metaphors personal to the artist, these works explore the nature of relationships through figurative imagery, layers of patterned line-work and theatrical symbols. In particular the artworks refer to human emotion, states of desire, duplicity, seduction, and entanglement.

With techniques finely honed over four decades of art practice, the artist produces her richly layered images through a combination of printmaking, collage and oil paints in decadent high colour. These lyrical paintings elicit the romantic, decorative and sublime visions of the art nouveau era.