Over the fence: Geoffrey Head
This exhibition showcases a series of paintings and drawings of the natural environment as viewed from the artist's back fence.
The works explore the beauty and diversity in this borrowed landscape. A range of flora has been observed and photographed from different viewpoints and at different times of the year. The resultant images have been enhanced and manipulated using digital processes. This creates an idea of celebration where the natural, organic forms are transformed into vibrant lines and shapes.
Geoffrey lives in a newly developed area with some adjacent, natural vegetation remaining and this random formation of plant life contrasts greatly with the more structured gardens in their yard. Geoffrey is always appreciative of having this bushland so close by.
The artworks draw attention to the way suburban development can have an impact on the natural environment. Any landscape which remains should be valued as a habitat and respected for its necessity, vibrancy, and energy. Most of the artworks were created in 2020 when travel was more restricted, and it meant looking closer to home for inspiration.
About the artist
Born and raised in Rockhampton, Geoffrey has been living and working in Gladstone as an art educator and artist for the past 40 years. During this time his art practice has focussed primarily on painting and drawing with the inclusion of printmaking in more recent years.
His painting works involve stylized imagery depicting natural and built environments, figures, or forms of texts. The majority include the heavy use of visual texture with colour and line also as dominant elements. While his main medium is oil on canvas, he introduces colour and texture into compositions through the application of aerosols, and the collaging of parts of his old canvases. His printmaking works explore the lino cut and screen-printing mediums, along with digital processes.
Geoffrey’s later works reflect a response to his surroundings – both the natural landscape and architecture. This new imagery includes the form and structure of plants and found ecosystems, styles of residential architecture and the interaction of housing development with the natural environment.
Image: "Wild Grass with Ageratum", 2020, courtesy of artist
Exhibition opening
This exhibition will officially open on Friday, 10 January 2025 at 6pm.
Doors open at 5.30pm with speeches starting at 6.30pm.
Meet the creatives and inspiration behind their artworks, whilst enjoying a drink from our licenced bar.
Entry is free. Please register your details below to RSVP.