2024 - Issue 107
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Andreana Dobreva (@andreanadobreva) creates scenes that look like somebody quite literally stuck a crumpled up Old Masters canvas on top of a hazy landscape. Classical figures emerge and then disappear into vibrant, abstract shapes that are accentuated with thick steaks of impasto. Looking at these it’s easy to assume they’re filled with art history references but the gallery says the artist is “exploring the ongoing difficulties facing migrant populations”.
‘Public Grapes – Anonymous Meat’ at Fiumano Clase (@fiumanoclase) until 24 May
Most of the photos in this show of mostly photos make me think I’m reviewing an artistic performance I missed. Each meticulously staged image shows items that have been cut, carved, balanced, set and placed into surreal and often quite silly scenes by artist Can Sun (@suncannot). A few are gruesome and many utilise living things that will soon change or slowly decompose. Societal or gender issues are implied but there are no overt statements other than amusement, reinforced by the additional show label affixed to the gallery toilet door.
‘Bruises’ at Mandy Zhang Art (@mandyzhangart) until 24 May
Guy Haddon Grant (@haddongrant) layers and layers human and animal features into textured statues that look ancient to me. They appear weathered and chipped away, as if they’ve been plucked out of a slowly eroding coastline that has reduced once majestic figures into archaeological fragments. Most are closely crammed together in the main room where carefully squeezing between them accentuates their height and precarious balance. While in the adjoining room a smaller series are proudly displayed like busts in a hall of fame.
‘Chimaera’ at Niso Gallery (@nisogallery) until 25 May
“What do you think about the religious imagery?” my friend asked. “The what?” I said? If I’m being entirely honest, I don’t always walk away with an understanding of the overall intention of Cole Lu (@colelu) because I’m too easily sidetracked by the ‘hidden image’ aspect of his burnt-etched technique. In this show I was distracted by flying saucers, a recurring blindfold motif, and looking for carvings hidden all over a beautiful wooden spiral staircase to nowhere.
‘Amnesia’ at Herald St (@herald_st) until 02 Jun
Across a series of 25 images, barely identifiable figures in darkened environments sit and stare into a blindingly bright white light. Who are they? Where are they? What are they looking at, or waiting for? I know the answer, but it’s a lot more interesting to first see these in person and then have a guess about how and where Dean Sameshima (@dean_sameshima) captured these scenes.
‘Being Alone’ at Soft Opening (@soft_opening) until 08 Jun
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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