31 Jul 2024
After traveling in Tasmania, I made a stopover in Sydney. While purchasing a ticket for the Alphonse Mucha exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, a Korean docent recommended that I also see the Archibald Prize, so I bought a combined ticket and viewed both exhibitions. Listening to the docent’s explanations made the experience even more engaging. I found unexpected comfort in the works of artists who possess the ability to deeply observe various aspects of life. Sometimes, I feel the urge to hide from life, and I felt a sense of connection to the work of Guido Maestri, an artist who has moved to France and lives a reclusive life. There were also artworks that brought me joy through the beauty of certain parts of the paintings. Although it was a short visit, it was a day that made the stopover worthwhile.
This piece, resembling a Post-it note, was created by the artist based on a shopping list found in a supermarket. The shopping list includes 'Squeeze Yogurt,' and the artist felt a lot from this hastily scribbled note, as if written by a busy mom.
(Right)This is a piece by Jessie Bourke
featuring Chloé Hayden, who portrayed an autistic character in the Netflix remake of 'Heartbreak High.' Chloé was diagnosed with autism at the age of 13 and later, as an adult, was diagnosed with ADHD. The title 'Different, not less' is truly fitting. That's right, different, not less.
The reclusive artist Guido Maestri, who has been living in seclusion in France, submitted his work at the encouragement of a friend. Both the artist living in solitude and the friend who encouraged him to submit his work somehow evoke a touching feeling.
This artist painted her father, who is also a painter. Although their relationship was distant, the process of creating this piece in real-time allowed the artist to spend time with him. The relationship between parents and children is indeed complex and delicate. Even without a dramatic twist, it’s already deeply moving.
(Left) Julian Assange
(Left) This is the 2024 winning portrait by Laura Jones, depicting the author and environmental activist Tim Winton, who lives in Fremantle, Perth. I heard that the pencil lines in the painting were intentionally included to reflect his profession.
