Courtesy: the artist and Tacit Art, Melbourne.

“Any half decent text book will tell you that the genre of still life involves the depiction of inanimate objects, typically arranged on a flat surface. Through the arrangement of those objects, (flowers, fruit, food, household objects, everyday items) an artist creates a unique, imaginative or unexpected interpretation of the subjects at hand. The artist’s aim is to evoke an emotional or intellectual response in the viewer. Whether it is the beauty of the objects depicted, the skilful execution of the artwork, or the creativity of the interpretation, a good still life work will capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression.

Blah, blah. Bit dry, isn’t it?

Except that last couple of sentences – the aim. I am fascinated by the way in which objects can be arranged and lit to create a visual composition that can evoke tension and discord, find beauty, and provoke a thought or two in the spectator. In this exhibition, my approach has been rooted in a desire to capture the mood and atmosphere of objects, in space, in a comparatively short point in time. Through those actions I hoped to create some sense and meaning. For me, still life is about much more than just the objects themselves. It is about the way in which they interact with one another, the way in which light and shadow play across their surfaces and the emotions and memories they evoke. Like every work of art, the creation is a world where the artist is God – and the result is the record of every interpretation, every decision and every action, good or bad.” – John Rabling

Opening Event: Wednesday 22 March, 6.30 – 8pm.

Follow this artist