Julian Meagher ‘Everybody Talks in Their Sleep’
With the announcement of the indefinite postponement of the Melbourne Art Fair (having operated biannually since 1988) many northern galleries have sort alternative forums of showing their wares. Potency has also been given to the previously fringe offerings like Spring 1883 (Windsor Hotel), Not Fair (524 Flinders St) and the newcomer 602, in a disused electricity substation on Little Bourke Street. All operating from 16 – 21 August it is an exciting time to be in Melbourne.
Brisbane-based Edwina Corlette has opted for a solo showing of Sydney artist Julian Meagher in a rental space in Collingwood in the lead up to these fairs. Meagher uses the traditional framework of still life but gives it a decidedly contemporary edge with the objects he chooses to paint. In this collection, he continues to build on the themes of masculine ritual and national identity with a series of work that present empty beer bottles, cask wine balloons and cut glass whisky tumblers. Australia’s drinking culture and the rights of passage that are undertaken with its’ assistance are spoken of with bottles discarded and goon bags in varying states of consumption.
Like Italian master Giorgio Morandi, Meagher shows how everyday objects can be elevated through a clever interrogation of composition and form. There is incredible beauty in Meagher’s paintings where he manages to convey detail (in this case impossibly perfect mirrored surfaces and reflections) with so little intervention on the surface of the canvas. To achieve the luminous translucency that results he uses oil paint to resemble watercolour, and this technique, coupled with a limited palette gives these works their ultimate strength.
‘Everyone talks in their sleep’ opens this Thursday and concludes on the weekend so if you are lucky enough to be in Melbourne at this time that unashamedly celebrates the visual arts, this exhibition is a must see.
Julian Meagher 11 – 13 August
‘Everyone Talks in their Sleep’
Besser Space
15- 25 Keele Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
For more information and opening hours please contact the gallery:
gallery@edwinacorlette.com 0412301 355
Credits: Images courtesy of the artist Julian Meagher and Edwina Corlette Gallery
Words by Katrina Arent
