What is the inspiration behind ‘Reclaiming Space’? Why is Machine Hall fit for this exhibition? 

Montana: Reclaiming Space emerged from our shared desire, as two women, to take control of our narratives, happiness and futures. We're reclaiming traits like strength, grit, and bravery, qualities traditionally associated in the male domain, as our own.

Machine Hall embodies the concept of reclamation by reimagining its industrial past into a beautiful, dynamic venue. This aligns with our exhibition’s goal to challenge conventional norms, as we didn’t want a typical gallery setting but rather a space that symbolises transformation and empowerment.

Marisa: Machine Hall is a sacred space where you walk in and can feel the history, can feel the change and evolution. I am a romantic and feel deeply connected to Sydney as that's where I was born and bred, and despite showing my work all over the world, it is truly special that Machine Hall exists to foster such an incredible curation of public programs.

Montana and I are here to rewrite the narrative of female artists in Australia where we have agency and a voice and having the backdrop of Machine Hall to do it is incredibly fitting. Here’s to Reclaiming Space. 

Are you drawn to certain colours and mediums? Why do you work with the colours/textures that you use?

Montana: The colours I use often change, mostly inspired by my surrounds, emotions or nature. It’s never a conscious choice. What is consistent in my work is a love of blending sculptural and painted forms, I am fascinated at how light and shadows can completely change a piece and I love observing these changes throughout the day.

I usually have a clear vision before paint touches the canvas, as the materials I work with require precision—there’s little room for rework. This finality demands intention, and though my process is technical, the results are never certain.

Layers of color and texture often surprise me in ways I can’t predict. Ironically, for someone who’s a planner, this unpredictability is where I make bold decisions, embracing the flow state as moments of pure discovery.

Marisa: I am definitely a ‘more is more’ kind of person and the more colour and vibrancy there is, the happier it makes me feel.

I rarely use black or darker tones, unless I feel it needs that to balance out a piece. I would be lying if i said I wasn’t obsessed with pinks, blues and creamy tones, a gradient gives me so much joy, I just love the emotive power of colour. Textures and mix media is something I adore integrating within my abstract pieces and the more contrast and intensity there is - the more gravitational pull I feel towards the piece itself and to who I am at my core.

I am an intuitive painter and never plan my pieces, I allow them to show themselves to me as I apply the paint on and build onto it, every piece is a journey into self and discovering, unraveling and unpacking so much simultaneously until we reach the point of knowing it is complete. What a beauty it is to listen to your creative soul and allow it to speak through you - this is the power of art.