Juli HAAS
1. By the banks of her own lagoon, 1995, Watercolour on paper, 100 x 151 cm, Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection, gift of Monash University Gippsland Campus, 1996.
2. Beneath the mirrored moon, 2002, Drypoint print with watercolour, Ed 26/40, 40 x 49 cm, Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection, purchased from the Print Council of Australia, 2002.
3. Charade, 1992, Drypoint print with watercolour, Ed 14/15, 21 x 20 cm image, 39 x 36 cm sheet, Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection, gift of the Monash University Gippsland School of Arts Patrons Committee, 1992.
Juli HAAS
Juli Haas was a student of Euan Heng’s when she studied Visual Arts at the Monash University Churchill campus. Haas completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1989, a Graduate Diploma of Arts in 1990 and a Master of Arts (Research) in 1995 as a mature age student and mother of three. Her experiences as a mother influenced the narratives woven within her work, as Haas took a particular interest in the relationships between everyday people.
The depictions of the figures in her work are illustrated with emphasised features like caricatures, and the actions of the subjects are highlighted through vivid contrasting colours and outlines. Haas did this to bring attention to the interactions between the characters. However, as in By the banks of her own lagoon, the subjects depicted do not interact with one another but are instead wrapped up within their own lives and the calamities that play out within the image. The humorous yet sinister quality of Haas’s work is reminiscent of puppetry and theatrical dramas. The spooky undertone of the work reflects the dark side of the human psyche and the self-obsession of society.
Haas had produced many special commissions within Victoria and nationally and received several awards throughout her career. In 1995 she won the Sir John Sulman Prize with By the banks of her own lagoon. As well as Latrobe Regional Gallery, Haas’ works are held in several public collections, including Geelong Gallery, Gippsland Art Gallery, Art Gallery of South Australia, National Portrait Gallery, and many other regional and state galleries in Australia.