Dean BOWEN, Stefan DUNLOP, Robert MACLAURIN, Peter SMETS

Approach to the Landscape 2010

8 - 21 June 2010

• 

  DEAN BOWEN Comet 2009, oil on linen, 27 x 60 cm

• 

  DEAN BOWEN Bus Trip 2009, oil on linen, 30 x 40 cm

• 

  STEFAN DUNLOP Ship Study 2010, oil on linen, 56 x 70 cm

• 

  STEFAN DUNLOP Three Figures 2010, oil on linen, 180 x 176 cm

• 

  ROBERT MACLAURIN Late Afternoon in the Gorge 2010, oil on linen, 97 x 130 cm

• 

  ROBERT MACLAURIN Rough Weather at The Inlet 2010, oil on linen, 74 x 100 cm

• 

  PETER SMETS Desert Highway 2010, oil on canvas, 110 X 140 cm

• 

  PETER SMETS Boxes #4 2010, oil on canvas, 110 x 140 cm

About the Exhibition

Approach to the Landscape 2010 surveys the recent work of four of Australia's finest landscape painters. Each takes a unique approach to their representation of the natural world. All four artists have created powerfully innovative visions of our native environment that continue their break away from the more literal representation of landscape, towards a presentation of the imagined.

Dean Bowen employs a theatrical presentation of ideas and symbols in his urban and country scenes. His vision and diverse range of mediums, whether it be painting, sculpture or printmaking, come together to produce images that are joyous, lively and full of humour. Providing a contrast to the typical image of the Australian landscape, Bowens scenes of urban and rural life are often populated by whimsical and cheerful characters, living harmoniously within their constructed environments.

Stefan Dunlop's work explores the abstracted landscape through a wide brush to capture dramatic scenes with blocks of bold, saturated colour. His paintings are figurative with strong narratives that act as a platform for the exploration of his ideas. Dunlop is interested in the reality of an event and not the symbolic notions that surround it. He refers to his landscapes as a kind of 'patchy painting' that move away from linear and spatial explorations by using large areas of colour to build positive space out from the picture plane.

Robert Maclaurin's landscapes take the viewer on an endless journey through a vast range of settings including Australia's open wilderness, dense woodlands, sweeping deserts and burnt mountain ranges. His depictions of the countryside are romantic and vibrant, evoking mystical and emotive visions.

Peter Smets' works are intriguing juxtapositions between the natural and the man made with surreal undertones. He depicts tiny figures of workmen that appear nonchalant and at ease with their surroundings. A mixture of indifference and acceptance, their casual poses defy the harsh immensity of the machines and constructions within the urban environments which envelope them.

These beautifully crafted paintings are not simply vehicles for each artist's craftsmanship and virtuosity. Rather, they express ideas and thoughts through allegory, metaphor and mystical vision. They satisfy as works of serenity and beauty, presenting a true celebration of the Australian landscape.