Simon Finn, Clear 1, 2020. Charcoal on paper, 35 x 50cm. Courtesy: the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne.

Before & After Technology is a new body of charcoal drawings generated by Simon Finn during the COVID lockdown. A new series of small works on paper enabled the artist a portable studio situated deep in the South East Australian forest and deforested region only walking distance from his pandemic hideaway. The artworks are a demonstration of pictorial exploration and physical immersion in nature with a revitalised practice void of technology.

Finn states, “The decision to situate myself far from screen technologies during the making of these works presented me with a position to engage with the implications of technological advancements on the Victorian landscape. Coupling the experience of time-spent drawing within old growth forest and recently deforested regions has uncovered a first-hand account of the consequences of industrialisation required for the satisfaction of urban areas.”

The gallery is open and practicing COVID-19 social distancing measures. The exhibition can be viewed online here.

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