In this first series of Five on Five we’re asking five painters to speak about a painting that has influenced, inspired or resonated with them. In this episode Kate Beynon reflects on The Creation of the Birds (1958) by Spanish artist Remedios Varo.

As you listen, you can see in the painting (reproduced above) that Beynon is captivated by Varo’s hybrid owl-woman and her spiritual presence, which in turn inspired Beynon’s blue shaman, a guardian figure that appears throughout Beynon’s work.

We’ll be releasing more episodes of Five on Five: Painter Series over the coming weeks so stay tuned. To make sure you don’t miss an episode, subscribe to the Art Guide podcast on iTunes.

Hong Kong-born Melbourne-based artist Kate Beynon recently completed her PhD in Fine Art at MADA: Monash University, has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally, and is represented by Sutton Gallery, Melbourne and Milani Gallery, Brisbane.

Beynon has recently participated in an ethical Fashion collaboration with The Social Outfit in Sydney, and is showing at Salon dés Refuses at S.H. Ervin Gallery. Her upcoming exhibitions include:

Weaving Stories 
Artspace Realm
28 July – 10 September

The 2017 Archibald Prize
Goulburn Regional Art Gallery
29 June – 19 August