Andrew MCILROY

Against the Tide

16 - 28 February 2010

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  Far from the Madding Crowd 2009, oil on linen, 215 x 183 cm

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  Beyond the Rip 2009, oil on linen, 90 x 90 cm

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  From the Jetty 2009, oil on linen, 90 x 90 cm

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  Splendour 2009, oil on linen, 183 x 168 cm

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  Shallows 2009, oil on linen, 168 x 183 cm

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  Exhilaration 2009, oil on linen, 138 x 153 cm

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  Against the Tide 2009, oil on linen, 138 x 153 cm

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  For a Moment, Lost 2009, oil on linen, 138 x 153 cm

About the Exhibition

Andrew McIlroy creates atmospheric works that investigate diffuse aquatic depths, with strong saturated colour and a reduced monotone palette. The works contain subtle tonal variations, imparting a dream like quality and a sense of poetic mystery.

Many of his works, notably Against the Tide and Azure Descent, are inspired by Tim Winton's book Breath, as they hint at the promise of resurfacing to the familiar sounds of summer vacation and youthful exuberance. Partly autobiographical, McIlroy's paintings recall long family summers, diving off the Portsea pier for hours, and of a familiar voice calling him home.

On a deeper level that parallels Winton's symbolism, McIlroy's paintings also convey a sense of unease, with fear invoked by deep waters and the feeling of sinking into the abyss, a metaphor for anxieties which gripped the artist's own childhood.

"The boys of Winton's novel push each other to the edges of endurance, courage and sanity. For me, this is the very stuff of existence - exploring the elements of innocence and experience, adventure and self-destruction, exhilaration and fear." Andrew McIlroy

Andrew McIlroy has completed studies with Melbourne, Monash and Swinburne Universities and the Julian Ashton Art School. He has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions in Australia and the USA. In 2006 McIlroy was a finalist in the ANL Maritime Art Prize, the North Sydney Art Prize and he was selected for the Landcom International Artists Project. In 2008 he was a finalist in the Kings School Art Prize, Sydney. After two acclaimed sell-out exhibitions in 2007 and 2009 McIlroy embarks on his third Melbourne solo show. Andrew McIlroy's work is part of several public, corporate and private collections including Cisco Systems; Benson Partners; Howarth Australia; Landcom; and the Prince of Wales Hospital, New South Wales.