At some stage in the 21st century, Australia may become a 21st century manifestation of Constantinople where east and west ideas collided to create a civilisation of great enlightenment.
To explore the collisions, I consider real or imagined differences between the western and eastern identities. My aesthetic is influenced by the balance, refinement and stylisation of East Asian ink painting. Within this aesthetic, I use symbolism to reference cultural constructs. Much like the pairing of a gun and a rose creates a certain image that is somewhat ambiguously defined, I use sequences of symbols to create narratives that ask questions about how easterners and westerners define themselves, and define others. This style allows the paintings to be like visual expressions of metaphoric poetry.
Most of the concepts deal with the fluidness between individual and social identities in the eastern hemisphere. I do not make statements in my art nor do I provide any answers. Instead, my focus is on asking questions. In metaphoric terms, I am more of a traveller than a landowner. By asking questions about how Australia fits into the eastern hemisphere, I am opening a dialogue concerning the identities that will shape the world's 21st century.
Journeys exhibited as part of the Beijing Olympic Fine Arts - Beijing 2008
Rise of China, Journey to the West, Love in Beijing - Exhibited as part of the Out of Strathnairn, Canberra 2010
Roar, Pain of Beauty - Exhibited as part of Meeting Place, Canberra 2010
The Hollow Men - Exhibited as part of Meeting Place, Canberra 2010
