Stefan Dunlop

The First Lie of Painting

13 – 24 August 2008

• 

  Two Figures 2008, oil & tinted primer on linen, 166.5 x 124cm

• 

  After 2008, oil & tinted primer on linen, 143 x 91 cm

• 

  8 Figures 2007, oil on linen, 260 x 184cm

• 

  Big Fall 2008, oil & tinted primer on linen, 240 x 190cm

• 

  Skull 2 2008, oil on linen, 76 x 76cm

• 

  Cap & Cup 2008, oil on linen, 50 x 60cm

About the Exhibition

Painting has beautiful old lies at its command….

‘To make art you’ve got to be on the edge of what you know… I’m into skill, execution and the craft of painting. To me a painting must look good to be good… It must look good plus do all the other stuff.

The First Lie of Painting alludes to the fact that there are still other steps in gaining a full knowledge of the medium… The best point in the painting process is the point at which you say to yourself, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t even know what I’m trying to be doing’. This is a great realisation and state of mind because if you don’t know what you’re doing then you cannot repeat yourself.

The First Lie of Painting refers to this point, this first genuine step forward and moment of clarity in ones work. It’s a little bit cynical and a little bit nihilistic but necessary to keep working. Ultimately, there is no resolution, no resting point, it’s an endless process.’

Stefan Dunlop 2008

Stefan Dunlop was born in New Zealand in 1972. After spending years in a small London loft he relocated to a rainforest residence in Noosa, Queensland to gather artistic inspiration. His home and its landscape are always part of the interest and stimulus for his paintings. Dunlop has completed studies with the Brisbane Institute of Art; Chelsea College of Art, London; Slade School of Fine Art, London and the New York Studio School of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture. He has participated widely in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand, London and New York.

Dunlop has been a finalist in several award exhibitions, including the Sunshine Coast Art Prize, Caloundra Regional Art Gallery, 2007; Conrad Jupiters Art Prize, Gold Coast City Art Gallery, 2003 & 2006; Canberra Art Prize, 2003 & 2004 and the Cromwell’s Art Prize, Sydney, 2004. Stefan Dunlop’s work is represented in the collection of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, Melbourne and in private collections througout Australia.