In Weather Patterns, Michael Eather’s curatorial approach – that artists from backgrounds Indigenous and non-Indigenous have much in common – is at the fore. It may seem an unusual conjunction to include Melbourne-based Matthew Johnson’s highly mediated abstract paintings with other patterned and rhythmic canvases that have their genesis in a more every day experience of weather. Rosella Namok’s large scale abstract paintings evoke the dampness of the wet season, their vertical rain saturated with north Queensland tropical colour. Ronnie Tjampitjinpa’s sinuous surfaces seek out the macro and microcosm of nature and the organic, in their depictions of rain, fire, and ceremony. For Johnson, “Weather remains the kinetic makeup of atmosphere” and his series of colourful pixelated abstracts analyse and meditate on the liminal line of the horizon, evoking states of transitory impressions, being and seeing. Yet “Weather Patterns” allows for a sensibility that successfully bridges these individual and perceptual gaps. The experience of being in the environment and its weathers is intrinsic to human experience of the world, and is felt in each of the canvases selected for this evocative exhibition. More words and images at the link below …
http://www.fireworksgallery.com.au/weather-patterns-exhibition-text-louise-martin-chew-29-july-2015