REDFERN: My exhibition Collisions at Rogue Gallery in Redfern is about the collision of humans with other humans, with animals, and with the landscape.
The modern car is the technological pinnacle of an outmoded power source, a dazzling display of complex mechanical and electrical engineering, that can also be deadly, destructive and horrifying. For me the image of a mangled wreck is a powerful and complicated metaphor.
The current human dominance over other creatures and the planet will eventually wane, the paintings of animals being held are trying to convey this sentiment.
Another motif is the humble weed which for me is a symbol of hope as it is often the first sign of life in a place that has suffered desecration or destruction.
My show is also simply about love of the physical nature of paint and painting. The works are painted with oil paint on aluminium composite panel which allows for aggressive scraping and scratching of the surface as well as a smooth hard substrate for materials such as metallic gold leaf.
I invite anyone with a similar passion to come along to:
Rogue Gallery
130 Regent Street Redfern
April 26 – May 21, Wed to Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Opens Saturday April 29, 11am-6pm
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Russell Carey is a Newtown-based artist who has been a leading scenic artist for Australia’s major theatrical and operatic performances for more than 30 years.
