Cedric Baxter has a long history in the visual arts in Western Australia. He started as a cadet graphic artist with West Australian Newspapers, was the Art Director and Critic for the Sunday Independent and lectured in drawing, design and painting in TAFE. Through all this he continued to hold solo exhibitions around the state, win awards and complete private commissions.

What is most appreciated about this artist's work is his excellent skill in drawing the figure. The men and women that populate Baxter's environments, in this instance Morocco, are defined with solid yet fluid contours that give them a strong, uncomplicated presence. All that's needed to identify the soul is put down, so the filigree of the physical can be omitted without any sense of loss. Proportions of figurative elements often relate more to the total composition then the individual as good design is always evident in the work. For example you will discover small figures riding a very large horse in Lovers on a Carousel and instances where hands or feet are over large for the body to which they are attached. It can't be called 'distortion' because the effect created is one that's more sensual then abstract.

Baxter is also adept with the use of colour. Here warm colours reminiscent of ground spices; turmeric, nutmeg, paprika and chillies are well employed to set the moood then enlivened with touches of a frivolous hue to accent the richness of the selected theme. So in Granny Smith there's that one touch of bright green while in Spice Stall  red and yellow 'hats', jump with joy from the mellow tones of the composition. Texture too is added with collage of cloth painted over to provide a singular ground colour of patterned interest.

There is a sense of unity throughout this exhibition, one that evokes an exotic inviting world as real or imaginary as the viewer chooses. What is real is the sense of joy held in all the images; even Icarus with his blue pantaloons will no doubt effect a happy landing. The joy appears to be found in living, loving and most certainly in painting. This show is a delight.