
The inclusion of nude studies in an exhibition dominated by abstract paintings is a bold step for the artist. However, and rather surprisingly, they do not detract from the overall quality and curatorial cohesion of the exhibition.
These expertly drawn vignettes display the artist’s versatility both in figurative and abstract fields. The manner of execution, the bold cross-hatching, the abbreviated markings, and the sheer tactile quality of the crayon clumps on the textured paper relate these drawings directly to Ferguson’s technical approach of his abstract compositions.
Each drawing reveals the artist’s sharp observational skills, masterful handling of bold foreshortenings, and an enviable ability of capturing and delivering a kinetically correct impression of the model’s fleeting pose.
Ferguson sheepishly admits, with a glint in his eye, that the drawings were born within the artist’s own imagination and are made from memory only. The last bon mot about these studies belongs to the artist’s son, who rang shortly before the exhibition opening to ask: “Are any of these … mum?”
The exhibition is current until Saturday 5 July 2014.
View complete exhibition online at http://www.quadrantgallery.com.au/william-ferguson.html