With friends like these (Framed)

With friends like these, 2025 Gouache and acrylic on paper 42 x 59.4cm Framed in Zambian wild pear Also available as a limited edition fine art print Austen Gordon Austen Gordon (b.1987) completed her Btech in Interior Design at Tshwane University of Technology and since then worked as a designer, teacher and marketing manager. In 2023, Austen left her full time position to pursue painting and art full time. Austen's work explores illustrative realism, wordplay and principles of aestheticism. She loves to use surprising colour combinations in her works and apply her visuals to a variety of substrates. She is interested in taking a theme or a subject matter and working and re-working it and watching it evolve and change. Currently, she is focused on creating bright blooms, nestled in quirky patterned vases, set against a variety of backdrops, some plain, some patterned. Working freely, choosing bold colours at whim, adding freehand patterns and motifs to vases and tablecloths, she is expanding her creative play, outside of her sketchbook. About the work While I was forming the vision for this show, I was deeply involved in a WhatsApp conversation with two of my female friends. While I do not remember the topic we were discussing, with fervour I might add, I do remember the distinct experience, felt in that moment, of female friendships. Right then, the title and feeling for this show was formed. In my work, elements of symmetry, harmony and distinct contrast appear together, paired, as ever, with abounding florals. Carefully selected colours, shapes and patterns represent diversity, abundance and longevity. This show reflects, in titles and essence, what it is to have female friendships.