press release -melbourne exhibition nov 2011

NEW PAINTINGS

New Paintings is Andrew O’Brien  first exhibition as a solo artist. These works are large paintings which explore the relationship between depicted flatness and three dimensional space, and the complex relationship that sits between. The works which are heavily layered with rich and lustrous surfaces, are boldly coloured. As Andrew states “ I am interested in the emotion of the known and unknown, the collision of solid and space, and how its observation leaves its observer”.

Andrew also presents  a collection of collages which fuse pasted objects, hand cut stencils and a complex laying of paint and impasto. The works are inspired by an archaeological exploration of how, time, random interaction and moments can often be found in the urban scape.  Andrew states.” I am very interested of how the humble city wall can be used to communicate random events,  mark territory, advertise or reflect the people who may only for a moment pass its way. In  particular it is the wall which hides from explicit public view that renders a narrative that can be local, national or subversive that interests me.”