Brisbane-based painter, sculptor and video artist Michael Zavros uses perfection as the overarching theme in his work, evident in his faultless renderings of images from fashion magazines, and vistas of the most sumptuous palaces of Europe. The artist talked to Peter McKay. Peter McKay | The ‘Artist’s Choice’ exhibition series invites contemporary artists to work…
Continue reading » “A Private Collection — Artist’s Choice: Michael Zavros”
Wealthy, young and beautiful, she drew the rich and powerful to her like moths to a flame. María Dolores de Aldama was a lady known for the soirees she held at her residence. ‘This young aristocrat, portrayed in three-quarter length, stands posed before the viewer wearing a magnificent black satin and velvet dress trimmed with lace and ribbons, a…
Continue reading » “The jewellery of María Dolores de Aldama, Marchioness of Montelo”
Luke Roberts’s Wunderkammer/Kunstkamera (detail) 1994 is an all-encompassing work, it includes found objects, homemade dolls, mementos, remade and modified objects, as well as featuring selected historical works from the Gallery’s Collection. Each object is labelled by the artist, with some labels factual and others taking more creative leaps, and they are presented in a museum…
Vicente López Portaña’s technical skill and precise depictions made him a favourite painter to a society eager to show off their status. His attention to detail knows no bounds — so we can only hope that Mrs Delicado de Imaz was not vain. However, we can be thankful for the almost photographic depiction of the fabrics and jewellery.…
Gordon Hookey’s King hit (for Queen and Country) 1999 is a provocative work that intimates action. The work consists of a boxing bag painted with porcine depictions of John Howard, Pauline Hanson and David Oldfield who hold their boxing gloves raised at the viewer ready for a fight. Below the bag is set of boxing…
Francisco de Goya’s portrait captures a small woman with a strong character — one can imagine her maintaining decisive control of her family’s fortunes. Her white shawl, ribbons and rose reveal a new softness and delicacy in vogue as fashions now took their lead from France. ‘For this image of the marchioness, Goya has avoided the conventional…
Continue reading » “The Jewellery of widow María Antonia Gonzaga”
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