Petra McGrath (1972) is a painter and designer who lives alternately in Prague and Sydney. In her mature work and her interpretations there is an extraordinary but distinct harmonious balance of will to purposeful intent, along with sovereign spontaneity and improvisation. This symbiosis is a key character in the individuality and energy of her paintings.
Petra's sources of personal inspiration are mainly her attention and visual sensitivity to the environment, light, colors, distinctions and common denominators of both cultures of Europe and Australia. They are also a testament to the artist's extraordinary receptiveness, which amplifies her healthy sovereignty of her work in the context of distinguishing between the two cultures, nature and their color range. The vibrating color scheme is, above all, a source of timeless joy, energy and free personal interpretations in the abstract part of her work.
Petra's paintings are a unique example of sovereign harmonic combinations of figurative elements within color abstractions with hints of spatial perception and original compositions. These figurative images are an example of the healthy symbolism of human existence, again colorfully and compositionally confidently and purposefully mastered in understanding and joy, often playful to humorous personal interaction. Even the names of the paintings – Synchronicity, Chance, I am, Fusion, Good Year, Reborn testify to the distinctive and perfectly communicated imagination of the author.
Ing.arch. Otto Dvořák AIA, collector
Petra's work is unique in its deep understanding of the human deal, environment, joy, nature and its personal artistic, visual interpretation of the present in harmony and understanding with its hidden and shared references to certain traditions of our cultures, which are a valuable example of the artistic and intellectual intelligence of the author in her work.
Ing.arch. Otto Dvořák CollectorThe spontaneity and genuineness of Petra’s paintings made a mighty impression on me at first glance. Using an expressive variety of colours, the authoress succeeds in evoking just the right atmosphere of life on the two continents where different culture and lifestyle meet the diverse colourfulness of nature. The sincere cheerfulness of her paintings, combined with a surprising composition, encourages the observer’s imagination, radiating optimism in the process. Petra’s artwork infects people with joy, playfulness and relish for travelling and a positive outlook on life.
Bronislava Paučková, Gallery Owner CollectorI have been in contact with Petra’s work for several years now. First, her work showed strongly captivating motives, which I like to call Australian reminiscence. Sailboats, sceneries, stylized figurative artwork. As there were different seasons for Picasso, Petra gradually - but only just - changes her themes. However, one theme will never leave her artwork: the delightful tuning of predominant pastels, conjuring up distinctively positive feelings and mood in her audience. Those are the feelings we wish to encounter these days with a growing intensity.
Jadran Šetlík Artistic PhotographerI have had the pleasure of meeting Petra McGrath over the past few years. We have been in constant touch with Petra’s new paintings. I love her vibrant colors and style. Her experience in Sydney, Australia has given her a different light and happiness that we don’t easily find. My clients are very drawn to the beauty of her pieces and her positive vibes.
Louise Beer PragArtworks Gallery