Secret Hearts: how artists Sally Ann & Emily May have changed

Sisters Sally Ann and Emily May will open their ‘Secret Heart’ exhibition on Thursday at Gaffa Gallery in Sydney.

We first introduced you to Sydney born, Jakarta raised sisters Sally & Emily last October, ahead of their first exhibition night.

For the Plastic Heart show in 2018, the pair explored a reflection of self, pain, pleasure, intimacy, and identity in a temporary phase of life. Installations in plastic and mixed media brought depth and physical texture to images hanging from the walls, lovingly photographed over previous years.

Ahead of their new exhibition opening on Thursday, we checked in with Sally Ann and Emily May to find out some of life’s most important lessons that have changed them for good.

TGW: What, in life, would you say has changed you the most since your career began in 2012?

Sally (S): I feel incredibly blessed and lucky to have found my passion at a young age. It feels like discovering a part of yourself that is so primal – almost like a second skin. I love every second of it.

Emily (E): Learning that when you shoot something once, it’s not yours, but when you shoot it 10 times, only then is it yours. And, anything done with real honesty is gonna work.

Anything done with real honesty is gonna work.

TGW: On looking back since we last spoke right before ‘Plastic Heart’, when you reflected on pain, pleasure, intimacy, and identity, what has been a big lesson for you both?

S&E: On ‘Plastic Heart’, we found ourselves creating from a place of sadness. It was a healing process and we tried to turn pain into art. ‘Plastic Heart’ was heavily inspired by an array of instantly familiar moods: anger, obsession, loss, desire, self-pity, and self-reflection. On ‘Secret Heart’ we were creating from a different place of happiness, freedom, and joy. And it is very possible to create from a place of love.

TGW: How do these experiences reflect in your art?
S: Creating from a happy place translates into our choices of colours and shapes. Happiness fuelled us to experiment with a different medium that’s outside of our comfort zone.

On ‘Secret Heart’ we were creating from a different place of happiness, freedom, and joy.

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TGW: What is the intent behind ‘Secret Heart’?

E: Being a continuation show from ‘Plastic Heart’, we want people to relate to a place of secrecy. The application of paint over photographs reflects the act of showing the unseen, memories, and erased histories.

The application of paint over photographs reflects the act of showing the unseen, memories, and erased histories.

TGW: Can you tell us about the images featured in this story?

S&E: They are based upon the concept of concealing and revealing secrets. About both displaying and disguising parts and thoughts of ourselves that we want to hide. It’s that connection between private and public life, of the thin line between the exposed and unseen confessions.

TGW: Is there someone who you both dream of collaborating with? What media and why do you want to work with them?

E: Creative role models, muses, and people who never let go of their passion. I’m grateful to be surrounded with people (mostly my closest friends!) that keep me hungry and motivated. Way too many to put on the list.

TGW: What is next for you both professionally and as sisters?

E: An art residency, and to get inspired by new places all over again.

S: Making more art — together.

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It’s that connection between private and public life, of the thin line between the exposed and unseen confessions.

Secret Heart opens on Thursday 20 of June 2019 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence St, Sydney. The show runs until 1^st of July 2019. Facebook Event Link & RSVP here.

Follow Sally & Emily on Instagram.

Secret Hearts: how artists Sally Ann & Emily May have changed

Sisters Sally Ann and Emily May will open their ‘Secret Heart’ exhibition on Thursday at Gaffa Gallery in Sydney.

Secret Heart opens on Thursday 20 of June 2019 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence St, Sydney. The show runs until 1st of July 2019. Facebook Event Link & RSVP here.

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Secret Heart opens on Thursday 20 of June 2019 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence St, Sydney. The show runs until 1^st of July 2019. Facebook Event Link & RSVP here.