Braid

Hair symbolizes physical strength and virility; the virtues and properties of a person are said to be concentrated in his hair and nails. It is a symbol of instinct, of female seduction and physical attraction.
​There are seven main chakras in the body, each one responsible for different areas of health and well-being. The seventh chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the crown of the head and is associated with spirituality, enlightenment, and universal consciousness. Closely linked to our physical health and vitality. When our crown chakra is in balance, we tend to be in good overall health and our hair will reflect that. Tan is part of a small collection of hair paintings that I found to be a meditative introduction to my larger surrealist series. These are an expression of my love for colour, texture and form.

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Rachel South is a Queensland-based artist whose practice explores emotional and sensory landscapes through vibrant oil and acrylic paintings. Her work often blends symbolic natural forms with intimate portraiture, using fine detail, colour, and contrast to evoke memory, connection, and reflection.

Her recent work investigates the sensory qualities of hair, feathers, and fur, using layered brushwork to explore ideas of intimacy, memory, and identity through touch and sensation. In 2025, Rachel was awarded a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant to support the growth of this body of work, furthering her exploration of felt experience in visual form.

Rachel’s paintings have been recognised across Queensland, with multiple finalist selections in regional and national art awards, including the Moreton Bay Art Prize where she was awarded third place. Her practice continues to evolve through both solo and group exhibitions, with works held in private collections throughout Australia. Inspired by the natural environment of Moreton Bay and Elimbah, her art is both contemplative and immersive, inviting viewers to pause within the layered experiences of identity, memory, and place.