"I was aiming to abstract but at the same time conjure a kind of mythical dreamlike state. I think I was successful in that but interestingly, the more I went along, the more figurative the images became. At first, I was creating preconscious images and now I look at it there are sort of mythical monsters; some of them are a bit monstrous, almost touching on horror. But because of soft textures and the colours they also have a friendly seductive quality and are quite compelling because the work has a modernist kind of classicism to it – the centred framing. It’s appealing to the eye." – Polly Borland
Selected Works
Installation Views
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Polly Borland, Polly Borland: Polyverse, 2018-2019.
Installation view, NGV Australia: The Ian Potter Centre. Photography by Tom Ross.
Exhibition Text
Polly Borland: Pollyverse was a major presentation by The NGV of new and recent works by the celebrated Polly Borland. This period of Borland’s practice has seen her explore more abstract and surreal imagery. Borland creates images that invite the viewer to see the human form in unfamiliar ways, infused both with humour and an unsettling disquiet. The exhibition comprises works from several of Borland’s important recent series, including Monster, Bunny, Smudge, and a series of new works.
Sullivan+Strumpf acknowledge the Indigenous People of this land, the traditional custodians on whose Country we work, live and learn. We pay respect to Elders, past and present, and recognise their continued connection to culture, land, waters and community.
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