Corkin Gallery presents   Test Patterns   and   Grips,    a solo exhibition by Michelle Forsyth. Opening July 31 through August 31, the exhibition will feature 18 works, a collection of paintings and photographs documenting a poignant decade of Forsyth's life from 2013 to 2024. 

Forsyth’s work is an intimate and autobiographical exploration, reflecting the intricate patterns of her personal experiences. Her art carries a hidden depth, revealing the complex layers of her life, relationships, and physical challenges.  

 The works in Test Patterns     are inspired by the prints and patterns of Forsyth's surroundings, such as interior patterns inspired by her former-husband's shirts, externally contrasted with patterns created to contrast with his tastes.   Despite the seemingly flawless execution from afar, with a closer look, the painted patterns display blurred or crooked lines, capturing Forsyth’s unsteady hand movements. Forsyth employs no tape or tools to stabilize her hand, making each piece a testament to her physical reality. 

Test Patterns also includes vibrant pieces like a bright pink frame housing a black plaid pattern, merging elements from a skirt once belonging to her best friend and a beloved plaid shirt. Another, features a red flower pattern often seen in her previous body of work, juxtaposed with a black and white geometric image. These elements are more than abstract designs; they are deeply personal artifacts, transformed into art that narrates Forsyth’s life story. 

Forsyth’s   Grips,   shot in natural light within her studio-home, add another layer to her narrative. These images capture the intimate setting where she creates, despite the constraints of her mobility. Her evolving ability to grip and maneuver her tools is evident in the delicate details of her work, reflecting the gradual progression of her condition. 

Test Patterns   and   Grips   mark a significant period in Forsyth’s creative and personal journey. They document a decade-long exploration of identity and self-expression, transitioning from her married life to her present independence and new physical reality. Through her work, Forsyth reframes the patterns of her past, claiming them as her own and redefining their meaning, a profound statement of the artist’s personal resilience and transformation.