"Following a very successful exhibition at the same venue last year, Dhungatti Aboriginal Artist Adam Hill is back at the Washhouse Gallery, Rozelle. The vibrancy and boldness of colour continue to flow in the unique style that has seen Hill rapidly gain recognition as a leader in the urban Indigenous art genre. The new body of works entitled ‘Dingo On’ feature thirty compositions in synthetic polymers on canvas.
Hill conveys with great fluidity and articulateness the heart-felt messages of peoples’ containment. One writer described Hill as “defiantly making an impact on the art scene”. It seems this very defiance, Hill’s own brand of ‘rustling feathers’ is speaking on behalf of not only Indigenous Australia, but also non-Indigenous Australians who choose to recognise and support the Indigenous plight.
Adam Hill currently has a large artwork hanging in a group show in New South Wales Parliament House. So impressed was The Honourable Dr. Meredith Burgmann with Hills work and its social commentary that Dr. Burgmann recently purchased one of Hill’s paintings for the collection. Hill’s works now hang in several Government institutions, which is something he takes pride in by saying “I feel I am gaining an entry into the halls of unchartered territory, in that one usually relates Government/Indigenous relations as unsavoury. It seems, I have found an empathetic shoulder”.
Utilising his personal visions of familiar drought-stricken landscapes, Hill succeeds in transcending his well-known and respected satirical ethos. The strong reference to a decaying environment, littered with goods commonly found in early Australian households, boldly and skilfully represents the state of this nation. As well, this intimate series silently rages with the injustices and atrocities that have been asserted on this land, and the indigenous peoples who were here long before croquet balls and Gregorian telescopes.
The surrealist quality in this series marks a distinct turning point in the style of Hill’s work. With a noticeable lack of people, ‘Dingo On’ encompasses much more than the viewer may first appreciate. Take time and look closely. ‘Dingo On’ emphasises a relationship between environment and the individual as being one of cause and effect, and while comparatively smaller than Hill’s previous paintings, this series adds significantly to his already impressive body of work. The message is louder and clearer than ever."
‘Dingo On’ opens at the Washhouse Gallery 711 Darling Street Rozelle
Thursday February 24, 2005, 6-8pm.
Gallery hours: Tuesday- Sunday 8am – 4pm
Contact: Gillian Noble on t: 0425 248 334
www.washhousegallery.com.au
