A crowd formed more or less the same stares at you, yet each is carefully considered, none a cynical replication of the last. This is true to the extent that you could see the ugliest one alone on a termite-ridden wall and appreciate that, “That’s one of Bobby’s paintings.” That human fits in with the more dignified portraits, but it’s worth is individual. It has the characteristic style of Bobby.
The ethic of churning out these faces, whether feeling like shit, elated by allegiance with the humble and personable crowds, or dedicated to family and friends to give something back, to decisively add to the social fabric, is something that is very ordinary. For his work to be art, creating faces equal and slowly considered in their uniqueness, and in eternal, melancholy dignity is very rare.
Words by Katy Melville
Dumb Dumb Address: 65 Heidelberg St, East Brisbane
This is DUMB DUMB’s first show and opening night. Cash bar only.
