Darwin-based artist Franck Gohier returns to Mitchell Fine Art in Brisbane with a series of artworks that continue his reflection of society with its frailties, faults, and triumphs.
Franck Gohier has an extensive portfolio as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker. Gohier’s homage is to the history of Australian Pop, his artwork steeped in his political and social consciousness.
Gohier’s works employ many aesthetics within the comic book genre to examine socio/political and interpersonal themes. He is fascinated by people – their aspirations, hopes, fears, and shortcomings.
His new exhibition ‘Love and Other Catastrophes’ Gohier delves into the cliche narratives of romance prevalent in the comics of yesteryear. In bringing them into a contemporary context, Gohier provokes thought on whether society has truly progressed or merely shifted its facade.
‘Each painting serves as a mirror to our collective past, inviting viewers to question how much has truly changed in our attitudes towards culture, romance, conflict, and gender dynamics’, says Gohier.
Gohier peels back the layers of nostalgia by appropriating culturally loaded vintage comics from the 1950s -1970s with his use of bright colours, text and popular imagery belying his artworks’ deeper messages.
‘My lens on the world has been shaped by time and experiences. I aim to acknowledge the persistent struggles that define the human experience across generations’.
The exhibition is showing from 14th May to 1st June 2024 at Mitchell Fine Art in Arthur St, Fortitude Valley Brisbane.
An exhibition opening will be held on Saturday 18th May from 2 – 4pm with Franck in attendance.
Image: ‘20% Off Of All Underwear’ 60 x 60cm acrylic on shotgun blasted metal (2009)
