"aRound aBout" exhibition artists statement 

“aROUND aBOUT” is a new exhibition of artwork and is my first solo exhibition of work. Unlike many solo shows, the work on display in the exhibition has been taken from a variety of different bodies of work and includes Print, Mixed Media, Photography, painting and sculpture with the majority being made over the past two years. The exhibition is housed in a new gallery space located on Yen Hoa, Tay Ho, over two floors and showcases over 30 pieces of work. Although the exhibition is a curated show from different artistic investigations the shared symbolism, themes, palette and processes in the work give the exhibition a visually cohesive narrative.

 

Much of my artwork could be considered abstract in aesthetic but combines figurative elements as ‘tools’ or ‘annotations’ to connect with the work in a non-abstract and emotional way. The narratives essentially orientate around the spiritual and psychological aspects of human existence in what might be considered an abstract or existential manner. Symbolism and metaphor are visually employed to create narratives and/or produce emotive sensations relating to questions of the human condition, consciousness and the emotional, psychological and physical energy world that is the life experience we share.

 

Emotional and thought sensations born of a visual experience produce depth beyond an image or the picture plane and our experience of it. I believe that it is possible, through all good art, to see that which is useable, understand the unknowable and sense beyond our perceptions. I am not a ‘firm’ believer in the firm... be it thought or thing, marks or the spaces in-between. These phenomena are interpreted by our perceptions and so experiences only which are then observed through a conscious awareness that exists beyond a definable form or understanding. These perceptions are subject to a multitude of variable predispositions unique to each viewer. Experiences are part of the human conscious condition and manifest as emotion and conceptual reasoning before becoming ‘observed’ by our awareness of ‘self’. My intent is to create works that heighten, or deepen these perceptions and so create visual ‘signposts’ alluding to an observation of this awareness.

 

In the interests of producing the most authentic of visual moments… I try to consider only the experiences and sensations of my being and the work at hand. A notable artist once said, "There is no art, only artists"*. I would hesitantly (and humbly) add… ‘and those that are open to it.’

 

There is little I can say is categorically either there or not there in the images apart from the materials, there application and composition. I believe all art is completed by the viewer and will vary from person to person. This is one of the arts greatest and most sublime achievements. I hope there is something in my work for you.

 

All I can say with absolute conviction is that it is all I can say. 

 

*Quote by Marcel Duchamp.