Donna Gough is a contemporary artist whose practice uses abstract geometry to explore connection — between individuals, communities and the environments they inhabit. Working across drawing, painting and sculpture, she visualises relationships rather than objects, using geometry as a shared visual language through which to consider how we are linked rather than separate.

Her work draws on ideas from nature, cosmology and systems thinking, treating geometry as a bridge between physical and metaphysical realms. These forms become tools for reflecting on existence, interdependence and the ways in which human experience is embedded within larger ecological and social structures.

The ongoing painting series YOU ARE began in Berlin and continued in Los Angeles, exploring how abstract form can express relational belonging. Developed during a six-month residency at Fremantle Arts Centre, YOU ARE: CONNECTED extends this investigation through a new body of work created in Fremantle.

While each work operates as an individual composition, the paintings are conceived as interrelated elements within a larger system. Shapes, colours and structures echo across the series, forming visual links that mirror human connection — between people, places and shared environments.

At a time when communities are negotiating cultural, political and social division, Gough’s work proposes an alternative visual language grounded in relationship and continuity. Through abstraction, YOU ARE: CONNECTED offers a contemplative space for considering how connection is formed, sustained and imagined.

Artist Bio

Her art practice draws from years of experience as a designer. In the late 80’s, she moved to London (from Australia) to undertake design studies at The London College of Printing (now ual:). These were formative years, from which her love of typography, minimalist design and an introduction to Bauhaus aesthetics became the foundation of her 30 year design practice and where threads can be seen in her current day art practice.

She has exhibited in the United States, Germany and Australia – where her work has been included in the 65th & 66th Blake Prize and the Sydney VIVID Light Festival. Exhibitions in Los Angeles have included: Made in California group shows, outer building neon installations, and neon sculptures in the Miracle Mile district. A three month Berlin residency in 2023 concluded with a solo presentation and her recent solo exhibition in Los Angeles was featured in Curate LA’s ‘This Week’s Must See Art’ member news.