REDSEA Gallery is delighted to announce the return of New Zealand artist, Ross Jones, for a solo exhibition. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Ross’ recent body of work is created to tell stories. Ross constructs a mixture of seemingly perfect places and events, but like all good stories, not everything is as it seems. He invites the audience to construct and draw unique conclusions about each painting.
Ross works off the phrase, “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”. His nostalgic colours and idyllic snapshots are bathed in a permanent orange sunset, creating shadows which tip the balance between a serene or sinister scene. There is an inherent stillness to his paintings, regardless if the horizon is flooded with storm clouds, Ross’ paintings capture a moment in time that radiates serenity.
Reminiscing on his childhood in Otaki, 70km north of Wellington, Ross reflects on the acceleration of the changing world around him, yet comments how life in his town remained consistent. This reflection of time standing still can be felt within his works, on the cusp of moment, like an adventure might soon begin. Ross reveals, “Each of my subjects and themes is derived from a different time and place in my life. I remember when summer and school holidays lasted forever, while Saturday afternoon was for mowing the lawns, fishing, or the beach”.
Ross Jones’ paintings are held in corporate and private collections in England, Ireland, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Some of these include; Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Penguin Books New York, The Wall Street Journal, Time Inc. and the Wellington Art Gallery. Ross was a finalist in New Zealand’s prestigious ‘Walker and Hall Art Awards’ in 2011.
Image: Constant Gardener, 125cm x 95cm
