ZARA DOLAN

Pulse

Pulse encapsulates electrifying bursts of energy through vibrant mark-making that conveys moments of dynamic animation. Dolan’s monotype prints blur the lines between the foreground and middle distance, with motifs that seem to both advance and retreat in a mesmerising double exposure effect. Drawing from abstract expressionist techniques, the mark-making is both deliberate and spontaneous, heavily influenced by the artist's choice of colours and the intricacies of the printing process. Swirling motifs extend purposefully off the page, suggesting their continuation beyond the paper's edge. The pulsating energy of the marks intentionally energises the colour fields, fostering a lively interaction. With meditative, repetitive gestures, the artist invites viewers to immerse themselves in a contemplative state, connecting with the rhythm and vibrancy of the artwork.

The works materialise the very moment before the printing takes place; the artist applying multiple layers of ink onto the printing plate followed by a subtractive process of removing ink from its surface. Once rolled, the image transfers unable to be recreated, making every print unique. Each work is titled to encapsulate their creative voyage; reflecting the HEX colour code, press cycles, and tools used within their artistic amalgamation.

Zara Dolan is an Irish born artist, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, working with one-off monotype prints created on a traditional printmaking press. Dolan completed her Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury (ILAM) in 2021. She previously studied a BA (Honours) Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. In 2024 Dolan was the winner of the Merit Award for Printmaking with the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards, presented by the Waikato Society of Arts.