Division of Labour
Finalist, Collie Art Prize 2020 (Collie WA)
Pencil, pen and acrylic on a framed canvas
420 x 297 x 40
www.facebook.com/collieartgallery/posts/2565417183705511
I was challenged to interpret the theme, IDENTITY, in a biological context, and in doing so achieve a visual balance between imagination and science.
We all have our individual biological IDENTITY encapsulated in our DNA. Within our DNA, cell structures align with the functions they undertake within our bodies in what is known as the “Division of Labour”.
In a micro interpretation, my intention is to expose and simplify the beauty, harmony and respectful tangential relationships created as cells form and assign their IDENTITY roles. A balanced and delicate juxtaposition, seemingly complex until you take the time to focus on the distribution, allocation and balance.
Solar Systems
Finalist Ginninderry Drawing Prize 2020 ( Canberra Australia)
Pencil, pen and ink on unframed paper
415 x 290
2020 research has looked at “space manifolds”, or the connection of arches from the edges of solar systems. This small artwork explores that concept. Circles within circles within circles. Hundreds of billions of planets, moons, suns and other objects wandering and shooting through space, but captured in a single interactive event.
Shinsetsu 1
Included in The Royal Queensland Art Society’s inaugural on-line Exhibition - “Creative Corona , Artworks created in isolation” (Brisbane Australia)
Acrylic and pen on unframed canvas paper
590 x 420
I have merged an interest with street signage with an interpretation of kindness and compassion – “Shinsetsu” - that permeates Japanese society. Within that I have tried to show how “social distancing” is a inherit part of Japanese culture. Lots of people moving about in different directions and speeds, but always showing respectful separation and abounding energetic kindness and respect. I was influenced by visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets where 30,000 workers harmoniously interact daily, and the Shibuya scramble crossing where 3,000 people navigate their ways leaving space.
Division of Labour 3 - Identity
Finalist (special recognition category) 4th Patterns Art Exhibition 2020. Light Space Time Gallery (California USA)
Pencil, pen and acrylic on unframed Bockingford White paper
765 x 565
https://www.lightspacetime.art/patterns-art-exhibition-september-2020/
A larger and more detailed interpretation of the theme of “IDENTITY” and ““Division of Labour”above. A further biological context interpretation , trying to achieve a more detailed visual balance between imagination and science.
We all have our individual biological IDENTITY encapsulated in our DNA. Within our DNA, cell structures align with the functions they undertake within our bodies in what is known as the “Division of Labour.
In a micro interpretation, my intention is to expose and simplify the beauty, harmony and respectful tangential relationships created as cells form and assign their IDENTITY roles. A balanced and delicate juxtaposition, seemingly complex until you take the time to focus on the distribution, allocation and balance.
The Spaghetti Beneath Rozelle
Published in the Malamagi Arts Laboratory 16 Exhibition 2020 (Italy) Pencil, pen and acrylic on framed canvas paper
680 x 505 x 20
Over a long time, I have been fascinated by directional street signs. The fascination is a mixed one between their symbolism and utility and their frequent visual overload in combination. I have explored their use in 2 and 3 dimensional interpretations and assembled their use in surreal and absurd formats.
Right now, 40 metres under Rozelle in Sydney Australia, breathes the construction of possibly the world’s most complex subterranean spaghetti junction, to be constructed over 3 levels. In my work I have extracted a “progress report” in the form of abstracted road directional signs. Using pencil, pen, and acrylic paint, I have depicted and simplified the different levels at different phases of their design and construction.
From Above the Freeways
Selected for the Royal Queensland Art Society’s 2020 “ABSTRACTION
” Exhibition Petrie Terrace Gallery (Brisbane Queensland) 3 Panel acrylic, pen and ink on framed canvas paper 1250 x 650 x 30
This is a similar concept to “the Spaghetti Beneath Rozelle”, interpreting the complex construction activity 40 metres underground.
Shinsetsu 2
Acrylic and pen on unframed Bockinford white paper
760 x 560
A further build on “Shintetsu 1”, with greater intensity and interaction. A larger interpretation of kindness and compassion – “Shinsetsu” - that permeates Japanese society. Within that I have tried to show how “social distancing” is a inherit part of Japanese culture. Lots of people moving about in different directions and speeds, but always showing respectful separation and abounding energetic kindness and respect. I was again influenced by visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets where 30,000 workers harmoniously interact daily, and the Shibuya scramble crossing where 3,000 people navigate their ways leaving space.
20 square cm
Acrylic and pen on stretched canvas
760 x 510 x 35
We sometimes need to be reminded about the value and beauty of the individual. In this work I have shown this by simply presenting 77 black rectangles all with an area of 20 cm², but each having unique dimensions. Different orientations in balance, all occupying the same space but all with unidentified individuality.
Spaghetti Junction with Meatballs
Finalist Aspire Gallery “Petite Pieces” Exhibition 2021 (QLD Australia)
Pen and tombow on paper
480 x 440
For a long time, I have been fascinated by directional street signs. The fascination is a mixed one between their symbolism and utility, and their frequent visual overload in combination. I have previously explored their use in 2 and 3 dimensional interpretations and assembled their use in surreal formats.
However, right now, 40 metres under the suburb of Rozelle in Sydney, breathes the assembly of possibly the world’s most complex subterranean “spaghetti junction” being constructed over multiple levels.
My plan was to interpret this new construction using chevron road signs. As I worked through this, I imagined the earth being removed and this then led me to imagine the dirt and rocks as the “meatballs” weaving through the “spaghetti”.