John Ancher “Insight and Sprawl”: Exhibition Highlight of the Week as chosen by Eugene Barilo von Reisberg, Consultant, Quadrant Gallery

Geometry of Hope 2 (no 24, 2012, acrylic on paper, 35 x 50 cm, $ 900)

John Ancher’s Geometry of Hope 2, from the Sprawl series, takes its cue from the Australian modernist landscape tradition. The artist creates a new visual vocabulary to depict the changing face of Australian terrain. The unpredictable, undulating lines of the natural landscape have been altered. Trees, boulders, and ravines are now replaced with the geometry of streetscapes, rooftops, and fence lines. Even the mountain ridge no longer appears wild and jagged, but smoothed out and tamed. The bold juxtaposition of reds and greens, strategically punctuated by dark patches of blue, creates a rhythmic and pulsating procession of colours, enlivened by richly textured surfaces of thickly applied acrylic medium.

The exhibition is current until Saturday, 1 March 2014.

View complete exhibition online at http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/john-ancher.html

John Ancher “Insight and Sprawl”: Exhibition Highlight of the Week, as chosen by Tony Jackson, Director, Quadrant Design Architects

Geometric Procession 1 (no 16, 2013, acrylic on paper, 70.5 x 100 cm, $ 3,250)

Tony Jackson says of this painting: “I am drawn to this work because of the sense of movement and energy contained within it. Forms and colour are linked in a very dynamic way. To me, forms represent emotions and a strong statement about our built environment. Forms and colour show me love, harmony, displacement, alienation, and hierarchy. Ancher’s colours are capable of igniting neuronal paths and bring forth strong emotional associations. One can dwell indefinitely on the artist’s bold brushstrokes and complex layering of paint. Every subsequent encounter with the artwork is bound to uncover bold nuances and fresh insights.”

The exhibition is current until Saturday, 1 March 2014.

View complete exhibition online at http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/john-ancher.html

Dear Friends,

You are cordially invited to the Closing Party of John Ancher’s Insight and Sprawl exhibition on Saturday, 1 March 2014, 12pm – 2pm.

Drop in to see the exhibition on its last day and enjoy a complementary glass of wine and refreshments.

At 1pm John Ancher will give a guided tour of the exhibition and a floor talk, sharing the inimitable insights into the works on display.

We hope to see you all at this very special event to celebrate the artist’s first solo exhibition in Melbourne.

Pam and Tony Jackson

John Ancher “Insight and Sprawl”: Exhibition Highlight of the Week, as chosen by Pam Jackson, Director, Quadrant Gallery

Subversive Thoughts 2 (no 20, 2013, acrylic on paper, 70.5 x 100 cm, $ 3,250)

This painting is representative of the ‘Sprawl’ aspect of this exhibition. It clearly shows the iconic symbol of the cul-de-sac which appears in several works in this series surrounded by black geometric shapes representing the growth of suburbia. Each black symbolic ‘house’ has a brightly coloured organic shape bursting from it in different hues and directions. Does this represent the subversive element in the title, implying that no one knows what goes on behind closed doors? Or is it the nature of urban growth itself subversively obliterating the natural and colourful landscape that once was there?

The technique in the production of this work is also intriguing; loose brushstrokes and layering of a wide range of colours belies the definite and deliberate shapes that are created. There is nothing sloppy about this work yet it retains the element of spontaneity and has a definite energy and vibrancy. The blend of colours is very interesting using a mix of warm and cool colours which balances the work beautifully. The organic shapes on the essentially geometric background give the work an attractive appeal.

The exhibition is current until Saturday, 1 March 2014.

View complete exhibition online at http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/john-ancher.html

Numerous friends of the gallery gathered on Thursday night, 6 February 2014, to celebrate the opening of the first ever Melbourne exhibition of recent paintings and works on paper by the renowned Tasmanian artist, John Ancher. The exhibition was officially opened by Marco Luccio, who also shared his insights into the artworks on display. 

Dear Friends, 

A reminder that our new exhibition, "Insight and Sprawl"", recent paintings and drawings by the renowned Tasmanian artist, John Ancher, is opening tomorrow night from 6pm to 8pm.


John says about the works in this exhibition: "The paintings in Insight and Sprawl seek to proclaim a personal imagery. Colour is used to engage emotional attachment. Symbolism and focused abstraction contribute a syntax to the visual language. Answers are not offered, only hints of possibility.

"INSIGHT presents mindscapes. The Greek Cross is always a starting point. By eroding the geometric certainty attached to this emblem of civilised thought and attainment, the paintings explore abstract ideas such as subterfuge, anguish, and discovery.

"SPRAWL presents landscapes. The cellular nature of our living environment is reflected upon in paintings that suggest the entrapement of those who dwell there. The regimented landscape imposed on the natural world conceals private ambition behind the mask of decency."

The artist will be present at the opening. The exhibition will be officially launched by Marco Luccio. 

Hope to see you all there!