Nothe Fort is excited to introduce you to Mala Hassett, our Artist-In-Residence.
Mala is a contemporary abstract landscape artist living and working in Dorchester.
After growing up in India and living in Switzerland for a time, the different cultural threads running through her life have given Mala a deep longing for colour.
As an artist, I am constantly looking for avenues to recreate the visual gratification of India, particularly the vibrance of colourful saris.
I may be painting Dorset but my palette allows me to be in India. It is as if I am wrapping the landscape with the richest silk sari I can conjure up, transforming it to a frame filled with loss and nostalgia for where I was born.
Mala’s workshop can be found in the Signal light room on the Ramparts, and Mala will be in residence until late Autumn – you might find her in the Fort on Tuesdays and Fridays.
So why choose to create art at Nothe Fort?
My interest in Nothe Fort is threefold.
I am intrigued by what life would have been like when it was a working fort – both looking out from the fort and looking within it, what has changed.
Looking out – having seen historical maps, I know Weymouth has seen much progress over the centuries.
I’ve been fascinated by the Isle of Portland since the first time I saw it. I get to see it in all weather and light conditions during my weekly swim across from it. As a result it has been cropping up in my work. Nothe Fort offers a unique, uninterrupted view of the island and I would love to paint the view in situ.
Looking in – when I visited the fort I was struck by the fort’s architecture, the geometric simplicity of its straight lines intermingled with arches. As an abstract painter, this is a fertile ground of ideas and I would like to explore this aspect further.
I bring a contemporary, minimal interpretation of Nothe Fort, infused by cross-cultural sensibility. Every canvas I paint is a subconscious design for the kind of sari I like – strong colours, strong lines, minimal pattern. I am excited to see what kinds of saris emerge out of my residency at the Fort.
Come and see Mala creating artwork inspired by the stunning views and architecture of Nothe Fort, or check out Mala’s residency blog here.
Title Image Pictured: Our Artist in Residence hard at work in the Signal Light Room up on the Ramparts, capturing the amazing views surrounding Nothe Fort.
Image below: Portland Pink by Mala Hassett, 150 x 90 cms Acrylic & oil paint on canvas Inspired by the Isle of Portland’s skyline.
