Linton & Kay Galleries has sailed out of the pandemic doldrums in a blaze of optimistic colour and form with a fascinating Miik Green exhibition.
Called Fracture, the show features a captivating collection of Miik’s distinctive creations, among them signature large-scale paintings and panels, and new wall-based sculpture.
While in temporary lockdown, the artist wasted no time experimenting with new materials, finishes and processes to create pieces that react with their surroundings and are highly contemporary.
“Fracture is about sharing involvement and the interaction between the works and observer,” he said.
“They are about engagement, timely in a time of isolation and reflection.
“There is a lot of hope, faith, positive energy and emotion in the collection and this has definitely been influenced by the current situation and lockdown.”
The works offer a continuing fascination with the interplay of materials as they resist and react with each other.
His two-dimensional works reflect and augment space. Their luscious surfaces provide windows that capture that which sits outside the frame.
The compositions are blend of resin, enamel and ink on aluminium backdrops, often referencing the nebulous shapes and hues of organic forms.
While many pieces are starkly linear and geometric in design, the use of intermixed vibrant colour, gloss and matt surface textures, and inspired pigment juxtaposition bring them to life.
The three-dimensional geometric sculptures retreat and emerge from the walls – forms that have been reduced to elements of light, colour and shape. They are an ultramodern take on raised-relief and have a compelling and spacey appeal.
All feature obscure angles and worlds of possibility, providing the viewer unique glimpses of the spaces we inhabit: portals to hidden dimensions.
Fracture also showcases collaborative works featuring the words of fellow artist John Nicholson. Miik and John have worked together regularly, and their combined efforts imbue the works with deeper meaning and nuance.
“Words are arranged vertically to have a totemic effect,” says John.
“Totem poles created by some American indigenous peoples have a similar layering of stories and ideas.
“The ones on show are more influenced by eastern and tribal American thought and philosophy than they are by western thinking.”
When away from his creations, Miik is a researcher and educator in contemporary arts in Western Australia. He is also an associate editor for two international art journals, an author and previous chair of Artsource, Western Australia’s peak visual arts body.
He has been invited to speak on arts practice at national and international conferences, most recently in Paris, Rome and Budapest.
In 2015, Miik was awarded a doctorate in arts practice through Curtin University, after being granted an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship. He remains a promoter of visual culture in this state, actively pursuing opportunities for artists to exchange with the broader public. Miik lives in Perth and works from his Maylands studio.
More information about the exhibition can be found online at: www.lintonandkay.com.au
Fracture runs until 22 July at Linton & Kay Galleries, Subiaco.
299 Railway Road Subiaco WA 6008
+61 8 9388 3300
subiaco@lintonandkay.com.au
Gallery Images: Peter Rigby
