FRESH PAINT
1st - 29th August, 2003  @  GREENHILL GALLERIES
Reviewed by Judith McGrath

It's always interesting to wander round a gallery when it is displaying works from the stockroom. Gives us a chance to judge the taste of both the management and its clientele, and should it match our own we'll be more attuned to the gallery's events. This show demonstrates Greenhill's eclectic taste and the high level of appreciation for fine work owned by its clients.

All the exhibits here are excellent albeit not to everyone's preference. Those who enjoy realistic images will be in awe of Crispin Akerman's two efforts in oil, the elegant Ginger Jar and Eggs and his perfect Four Pears. They will also appreciate Madeleine Clear's softer images in mixed media; the rolling Chianti Lightscape ll and the group of Pomegranates are excellent examples of this artist's perfected method.

Should you prefer a less defined image, one that suggests the subject while leaving sufficient room for the viewers' own experiences, you will be drawn to the works of Nigel Hewitt and Shaun Atkinson. Hewitt's breathtaking Hanging Gardens l & ll present the smoke and flame of a regenerative bush fire. There is no terror in these large conte and wax exhibits, instead they capture the mesmerizing mood of a control burn. Atkinson's long low Time Line, a diptych of oil and gold leaf on wood, depicts red clouds in a golden sky over a dark sea. It too holds the eye and mind as we recall every excellent sunset we have ever witnessed.

Moving closer to abstraction, Ian Greig's Pond Reflections l & ll captivate the viewer. We are attracted to the free flowing colours and suggestions of all things that might be seen in some secret shallow body of water. Are those koi swimming swiftly by, is that the rippled pond floor, can this be the shadow of an overhanging tree? Exciting and engaging works indeed.

And those who prefer non-figurative abstraction, linger in front of Keren Seelander's bright From Where I Stand lll or Stephen Nova's restful Silent Sunlight. Then if you want something less contemplative, Off the Abrolhos by Leon Pericles provides interesting viewing and rewards us with a smile of contentment.

What more can we ask from an exhibition or a gallery? Take a stroll through the display if only to decide which style of art you prefer.
 
 


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