Bird 16

Bird 16 continues my bird series through a simple, upright form built from layered shapes. The composition is deliberately contained, with each shape holding its place without competing for attention.

The colour palette is pared back but assertive. Deep blue gives the outer form weight, while mustard, blush and red introduce warmth and contrast at the centre. Together, they create a steady visual rhythm that draws the eye inward and then back out again.

As with the rest of the series, the work sits between abstraction and representation. The bird is recognisable, but reduced to its essentials. The focus is on balance, proportion and clarity rather than narrative. This painting is about how a form can feel complete without needing to explain itself.

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Based in Melbourne, Australian artist Jo Moloney explores hard-edged geometric abstractions that delve into the legacy of twentieth-century modernist traditions. Her paintings are a fusion of art history and imagined narratives, where she transforms utopian and universal formations into meticulous, obsessive, and often deeply personal works.

Before her career in the art world, Jo Moloney honed her skills in commercial photography. Her keen eye for composition and technical expertise led her to contribute as a unit stills photographer on film and television sets. Moloney's photographs have graced the pages of Marie Claire magazine and played a pivotal role in marketing campaigns for various Australian artists and bands. Her work has been published in esteemed publications such as The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Vault, and Island magazine.