
(no 4, acrylic on board, 61 x 91 cm, $1,500)
A girl hurries past a church, straining under the weight of her suitcase. A statue seems to be communicating with the girl and pointing the way. Bellemo’s limited colour palette and energetic, abbreviated brushwork increase the emotional intensity of the silent exchange between the figures.
A keen eye would recognise the bluestone façade of Wesley Church and the familiar bronze silhouette of John Wesley in the Londsdale street forecourt. The building in the background is the Princess Mary Club, which, for many years offered accommodation and refuge for women. It was also the first port of call for many country girls who came to Melbourne for work or study. Bellemo reimagined the building in its former glory, with pristine walls and glazed windows. He created a lasting monument to an important Melburnian landmark, no longer in its original use and condemned to demolition.
Aldo Bellemo’s exhibition continues until September 17.
View the exhibition at our website, http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/aldo-bellemo.html