Flowers and Bullets – an unlikely mix but a metaphor explored by artist David Hayes in his first solo exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley.
‘Trajectory’ represents Hayes’s fascination with the human condition and the many barriers we erect to deflect and hide our self-perceived failings. This exhibition is loaded with metaphors for life’s journey as Hayes tries to understand these complex behaviours.
“In this body of work I have a continuing fascination with human vulnerability. We develop layers upon layers of external barriers, defence mechanisms if you will, to protect our frailties and our vulnerabilities. Yet it is possibly these hidden qualities that are our most beautiful.” David Hayes 2017
At first glance with his highly constructed imagery and detail, Hayes presents the viewers with vibrant still life assemblages. Delving a little deeper, Hayes has juxtaposed both masculine and feminine elements creating a tension within the works that viewers are invited to decipher.
It raises more questions than answers as the viewer composes their own narrative referring to their own life experiences.
The exhibition opens Wednesday 25th October with the official opening night to be held on Friday 3rd November from 6pm – 8pm.
David will present an Artist Talk in the gallery on Saturday 4th of November from 2pm. This is a free event and all art lovers are welcome.
The exhibition is showing at Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur St Fortitude Valley, Brisbane from 25th October – 18th November.
Image: ‘Full Petal Jacket’, 100 x 100cm, acrylic on aluminium composite
