Two hundred paintings created during Melbourne’s pandemic lockdown are shared in a new book by prominent Melbourne-based artist Sophie Perez. Landscapes In Between provides a point of reflection and inspiration, as many people – particularly in Victoria – prepare to revive their connections to the people and places they love most, including for Perez herself.
In her first self-published book, British-born Sophie Perez showcases paintings she created for people across the globe, who shared their favourite holiday spots and travel aspirations with her via Instagram, when COVID-19 first took hold.
Perez invited people to share stories and images of places they wanted to visit but couldn’t, which she would then paint and share online, with the first set of submissions featured in the book.
“One of my exhibitions had just closed, four days after opening. So, I was forced to rethink and transform how I work, and find other ways of connecting with people.
“I had a painting trip to the Pilbarra planned for June and a family wedding in Italy, in May. Reflecting on that, the idea for this project evolved organically. I wanted to connect with other people who were feeling isolated, longing to be somewhere with their loved ones, so I put a callout on Instagram.
“I was overwhelmed by the response, and I’d never felt so nervous about revealing someone’s painting. The stories people shared with me were deeply touching, and I’ve included them in the book, alongside the paintings.”
Sophie Perez
Contributions came from Australia, Hong Kong, Norway, New Zealand, United States, Singapore and the UK, and the book includes dramatic depictions of locations from her home base on the Mornington Peninsula to places far abroad.
“I never would have done it, if it wasn’t for having this time during lockdown. But the experience has been immensely rewarding and it has allowed me to reach people in ways I never could before,” said Perez.
“The release of the book marks the end of this project. But I might do something with a similar ethos, in future.”
She now plans to travel Australia with her family, visiting various locations she’s painted as part of the project.
A limited number of copies of Landscapes in Between are available for pre-order now, at sophieperezartist.com, for delivery by Christmas.
