Rachel Goodyear and Aprile Elcich

Upon learning that there’s a new exhibition locally by Rachel Goodyear, one of my favourite contemporary artists I decided that I’d feature some of her work on here. Then I got thinking about how she reminds me of another artist whose work I like, Aprile Elcich, even though their work seems to have no apparent connection.

Rachel Goodyear draws. Her work is on small sheets of paper, mainly pencil and watercolours. Generally consisting of a small sketch in one or two colours, they are much more powerful than they should, subtle yet striking. Her drawings of birds make me think of Roni Horn’s Birds series

Rachel Goodyear – U-Bend, 2008

Rachel Goodyear – Two Magpies, 2007

On the other hand Aprile Elcich creates artists books and works in postcard size with found images, stencils and drawing to create a language of her own. Her work is loose, fresh and to the point. Slogans and statements often cover the images she’s torn up, all done sensitively. There’s clearly a small debt to John Stezaker but the work she’s making is completely her own.

Aprile Elciche – End

Aprile Elcich – Mr Chameleon

Two artists who have no connection but are creating original, unique work that really connects with me, the small scale of their work makes it all the more powerful. Aprile’s wonderful blog about collage artists, Not Paper, is certainly worth checking out, it has featured some fantastic artists.

‘they never run, only call’ by Rachel Goodyear is at the International 3, Fairfield Street, Manchester from 24th January until 7th March 2009.