On the balmy Saturday night just past 19 Karen Contemporary Art Space at Mermaid Beach held an opening night for Artists James Reka and Abigael Whittaker.
The two solo shows entitled “The Vision Splendid “by Abiagael Whittaker and “Outside Infinity” by James Reka were marked in contrast, but their differences in styles kept the audience attentive and involved.
Reka’s work is intricate with layer upon layer of immense dimensions of detail. Yet the works are still intense and masculine. When you looked at the works it takes your eyes moments to adjust to the sci-fi style of line art, like one of those magic eye puzzles. His characters are larger-than-life and seem to be in constant conflict with someone or something. They are quirky and odd and remind you of an old uncle with a hooked mouth and wrinkly cheeks. His characters are like inspector gadget on crack.
While on the other hand Abigael’s work was pure femininity; an intimate, stripped back representation of relationships. Abigaels work seems romantic and floral with lots of colour and life. They highlight the intrinsic connection between nature & living creatures. Yet the figures that look out from the paintings are vulnerable, their harrowing stares questioning the audience. The viewer is left to make up their own mind about what the underlying shapes and symbols mean and the connection between each other. A definite favourite was one of her larger works entitled “achievement of balance and inner harmony after a time of trial and tribulation” where a female figure is seated encircled around her neck by rainbow lorikeets.
The night felt like it had just the right crowd; young & old alike and not too many people so you could freely admire the works within your own realm. The two shows complemented and contrasted each other; it was like being able to look at the scope of contemporary art all in one night.
The two solo shows will be exhibiting throughout August till the 24th at 19 Karen.
No comments:
Post a Comment