The Inhabitants
Opening this week at Westend Art Space is my exhibition “The Inhabitants” featuring scenes based around Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens. “…for Melbourne’s million and a half, the gardens means one thing - the hundred acres of landscape that flanks the Yarra on the south, within sight of the heart of the city yet a sanctuary for peace and meditation.” MELBOURNE’S GARDENS, Melbourne University Press, 1946.
“The Gathering”, oil on canvas, 61 cm x 61 cm
Some of you may recall that I have used this location before in my work. But this time, I’m taking the viewer on a more personal journey. There is the argument that as we age, our appreciation for the ordinary and every day increases - not that I’m suggesting that the Botanical Gardens are in any way mundane. The exotic nature of the collection invites the visitor to travel in their minds to various locations around the world.
“The Guardian”, oil on canvas, 61 cm x 61 cm
When we are young, we tend to be restless in our search for new locations and challenges and we seldom give ourselves the opportunity to “stop by the side of the road to think and look.” I’m generalizing here of course, I’ve often found myself more entranced by the environment I found myself in rather than the company I was keeping. Perhaps it was shyness.
“Under Surveillance”, oil on canvas, 46 cm x 46 cm
So what brings about this reassessment of priorities? Pain might be one of them. The source of the pain might by physical, psychological, professional (perhaps a career reversal) or emotional (such as the breakup of a relationship, death of a loved one or a trauma dating back to early childhood.) Perhaps it’s difficulty that increases our interest and appreciation of things such as the play of light on the water or a four year old chasing a bird.
“The Swimming Lesson”, oil on canvas, 61 cm x 61 cm
The title “The Inhabitants” refers to the structures that inhabit the scenes in my paintings and may represent the preoccupations that are in my mind while walking through these places. Visiting these scenes can give the viewer an opportunity to explore some submerged psychological drama and provide an opportunity for reflection and contemplation. Light is an important element in my work and I use it to draw the viewer into the paintings and explore the atmosphere in there. There is an invitation to transcend the here and now.
“The Inhabitants” runs from 3 -25th May at Westend Art Space, West Melbourne.
References; ‘The School of Life’