Waves by Kepsibel

waves
/weɪv・z/

A wave is a propagating disturbance that transfers energy, momentum and information from one place to another without permanently moving the material or medium itself.

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Our second artist in residence marks the return of a beloved member of the Millie Savage family; from Monday 9th November, our Fitzroy boutique welcomes Kepsibel, a practicing artist living and working between Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, and her childhood home of Bali, Indonesia.

Her exhibit, "Waves", explores the nature of change and the way it can be so subtle, so small, that the impact often reveals itself slowly, then, all at once. Using oil paints and canvas as mediums of expression, colour and abstraction are employed to convey the way in which transformation is a constant and ever present state.

“Lately, I have been thinking about, looking at, dreaming about, writing about, painting about, talking about ocean waves. I am entirely preoccupied by the magnificent combination of these unseen forces—atmospheric winds, shifting tides, the relationship between the earth and the moon, the shape of the sea-floor, distant storms and weather patterns. That they just come bounding towards the shore, appearing to simply kiss the sand, leaving a transparent wash of sea water gloss in their wake and yet, that is not all they are doing.

They are shaping and shifting the contours of the landscape. They are doing it slowly, over time and not in a manner always immediately apparent—unless they happen to be a tidal wave or perhaps a tsunami, which can swiftly and radically alter the features of the surface we have claimed as our own and not belonging to the sea. And then I think about the seduction an ocean wave has to a surfer or a seafarer of any kind really—I mean, Point Break is one of the greatest films of all time for a reason."

"I was really struck by how whatever a wave comes up against, whatever it meets is changed by that encounter. We would say that over time, the shoreline changes, but those contours, the way the topography shifts, you might not necessarily notice it, but it’s happening with every incoming wave. Each one makes a difference. You don’t necessarily notice it happening,

I loved that as a metaphor for the period of my life in which I was making these paintings. It was a period of great change—I mean, change is constant, but this time felt particularly potent and transformative. I had moments where I found myself in certain positions or circumstances and thought, Oh my gosh, I want to get out of this. I want things to change. When is it going to change? When am I going to change? Ultimately, change is ever present.

I can see the parallels in this thinking with my studio practice. The materials I use are receptive to adjustment and change. Working with oil paints allows for that flexibility, that mutability. I think recognising that materials are in possession of autonomy and that as a painter I am actively working with material, engaging in reciprocal dialogue."

"Colour is a huge driving force in my practice, I think its ability to convey so much on a universal level, while remaining entirely personal is really incredible. It is as if colour becomes a conduit through which I can engage in conversation with the viewer. I love that the same colour can conjure completely different things for people—that depth, that breadth that colour yields allows it to function as a language in itself, one that is unbound by conventional limitations of language.

“Waves” ultimately is a convergence of these ideas, and I am so excited to be able to share this body of work in a space that for me, celebrates creative exploration in so many forms and to be platformed by Millie, who is such a sincere and avid supporter of artistic expression is so special.”

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“Waves” was conceived of and completed between Australia and Indonesia through the months of May and October 2026. During this time, devastating fires have raged across Indonesia—in particular Kalimantan and Sumatra—where drained peatlands, land clearing fires, and the intensity of the declared super El Niño have contributed to the crisis. A portion of all sales from “Waves” will be donated to volunteers working on the ground in Kalimantan.

Learn more about the fires in Indonesia and supported charities.

View the exhibit at our Fitzroy store from Monday 9th November - Sunday 6th December.
Available for purchase in store and online at the link below.

www.kepsibel.com
@kepsibel 
For all inquiries please email kepsibel@kepsibel.com