David Griggs, Ultrasound, 2023. Oil on canvas, 183 x 168cm. Courtesy: the artist and GAGPROJECTS, Adelaide.

New works by David Griggs’ for his exhibition Baseline seem to stem from a starting point that is imaginary. A baseline for what is the question. Historically though, Griggs’s starting points have mainly been derived from a topic a gesture or a lived experience. These new paintings unfold differently, the only keys to a direct link regarding anything tangible are in some of the titles. They offer very direct answers.

One painting simply titled Ultrasound, gives off a blue aesthetic that is dependent on our understanding of being poked and prodded by such a machine. Then what to make of the other paintings? In another, a jovial skeleton with one leg is balancing next to a tennis ball? Oh wait, the answer is simple. He was thinking about mortality after having an ultrasound in the morning, then he went to the studio after, then he went home to watch the Wimbledon mens final. A baseline? This makes some sense, but what about the raw, crude yet extremely technical approach to the physical painting process of Griggs? There is chaos, and refinement all on the one canvas.

There is a sense that every mark is approached as if his life depends on it. This energy is both unsettling and exciting. Imaginary imagery or baseline points of reference, either way it is violently clear that Griggs is 110% unapologetic.

Opening Event: Wednesday 20 September, 6 – 8pm.

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