Ellen Coup (Illusions of Reality)
Illusion: a misleading image presented to the vision
Reality: the quality or state of being real (Merriam Webster online Dictionary)
Perceptions of what is real, like truth, are rarely exactly the same from one person to the next. Many variables, even at the point of seeing (colour/tone, form and movement), mean distortions occur quite readily. The added layer of an individual’s interpretation of what is seen allows for ones own unique version of things/events.
A clever illusion is one where you believe it to be real. Realism, if painted well (as it is here), is a case in point as the eye is convinced of three dimensional form from a 2 dimensional plane. Ellen not only fully understands these concepts but is also able to expertly manipulate them to her advantage and as a result can present her own particular perspective in a very rewarding manner.
Ellen Coup’s contribution to Wellington’s public art over the last few of years has been considerable, being the principle artist for the “Sea-scape” mural in Oriental Bay, the 200m² “Living Cloak” mural on The Terrace (Ghuznee St intersection) and most recently the privately commissioned bush scene on Rintoul St (Riddiford St intersection), Newtown.
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