A fresh and wild reflection on country life comes to view in Myles Young’s new work. Conceived and painted in a bright and airy studio in Byron Bay in early 2020, themes of relaxation, exploration, isolation and amusement encompass the work. Enabled by many cups of tea and a lot of dancing, these energetic paintings are typical of the artists playful and bold approach to making sense of what’s in front of him. We are spoiled with invitations to engage with the abstract forms that inhabit the landscape.
“In late March of this year I opted to move home to Byron and paint full time. I spent my days sitting in the sun and staring at the trees in silence. I wanted to paint this feeling of taking refuge and having a base to explore from. I had a lot of energy pent up inside me as I was used to a fast Sydney lifestyle, so I enjoyed being bold and loose with my designing the works during isolation. The Fauvists ever inspire me, so I wanted to paint landscapes in oil that were my own based on how I felt.” – Myles Young
Myles Young graduated from the National Art School with Honours in 2014. He was a finalist in the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship 2018 and 2019 and the Waverley Art Prize in 2019 and 2020. He will be exhibiting new work at Sydney Contemporary Presents (online) in October 2020 as one of five artists invited by the National Art School.
Image: ‘The Big Ideal’ 2020 oil on canvas 94 x 104 cm
