Mark Whalen needs to get out more, or at least that’s what the folk at the Australian artist’s local coffee shop think; “You haven’t had a break from the studio for a while. One project appears to lead into the next. Don’t you feel the need for some fresh air now and again?” They say, although Whalen seems to liken the coffee shop to his fresh air; “It’s a pit stop of complete humanity for five minutes, twice a day” responds the artist. Like a petrol station dishing out the same fuel to Nissan Micras as it does Ferraris, all walks of life make the detour for their caffeine-stacked fuel – and what Whalen sees ultimately finds its way into his bewildering work.
Like a psychedelic coming together of Escher-esque impossible constructions and ancient arts – think Roman mosaics and Greek ceramic art – Whalen, whose roots go back to large-scale street art under the moniker Kill Pixie, clearly has little time for fresh air – such is the detail in his paintings, that introduce contemporary themes into ancient cultural settings. Maze Walkers, Mark’s latest exhibition with blackartprojects shows at Sydney’s Chalk Horse gallery until 20th April, this one’s worth getting out for.
The inventors, 2013
acrylic, ink, gouache, gold ink on paper,
mounted to wood, resin coated
120 x 90 cm
The magic carpet
mixed media
34.5cm x 44.5cm
Detail
Searching for utopia
mixed media
4 panels, 120 x 90 cm
Into the mind,2013
acrylic, ink, gouache, gold ink on paper,
mounted to wood, resin coated
33 cm diameter
Searching for utopia
mixed media
4 panels, 120 x 90 cm
Detail – Found vessel II
white porcelain, glazed
11 x 11 cm d
