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Story by Jack Foley
SELF-taught
artist David Bromley is currently showing an exhibition of his work
at the Rebecca Hossack Gallery and Charlotte Street Gallery in London, as
part of the 'Songlines season XXI'.
Born in Sheffield, England, in 1960, David Bromley came to Australia as a
small child. He is currently based in Adelaide and has had exhibitions in
Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Adelaide since the mid-1980s. He has
had portraits hung in the Archibald prize, Art Gallery of New South Wales
in 1999 and 2001, and is represented in state gallery collections and numerous
corporate and private collections throughout Australia.
Influenced by artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Glen Baxter
and the characters and style childhood books such as the once popular Boys
Own Annuals, Bromley's paintings are usually about childhood adventures and
loss of innocence. They have an ambiguity which is created by a mood of optimism
juxtaposed with a sense of loss as the artist captures the courage and fragility
of children.
Rich layers of vibrant colours cover the canvas, drawing on abstract expressionist
tendencies and figures are outlined in black in a way which is reminiscent
of comic book imagery.
The artist is also known for his nudes which, although they represent something
of a departure both in subject matter and tone, provide an insight into 'the
adult and very private Bromley, the observant and reflective David, the artist
who pays homage to beautiful women' (as described by Michael Reid, art
market analyst for The Australian).
Jeff Makin, of the Herald Sun, also noted that... "as male adolescence
is interrupted by puberty and girls, so is this exhibition with paintings
of pin-up beauties such as Rebecca, Melinda and Jillian. In these larger works
Bromley tackles the neglected theme of the female nude, and openly celebrates
their youthful forms as objects of mystery and desire."
Bromley himself states: "I have been painting portraits for years but
mainly concentrating on the face. I wanted to evolve these portraits by adding
emotion expressed through the body. I have taken photographs for years - doing
fashion shoots - stills for film & music clips.
"My aim is to represent the female form in a way that parallels the sexy, contemporary fashion & photographic magazines. It has been challenging & rewarding process and I have been inspired by love of Warhol's work in particular his portraiture and figurative work."
The
artist has exhibited internationally and his work is held in collections around
the world. All paintings - subject to availability. Prices range from between
£50 - £6,000 & commissions accepted.
Art lovers can judge for themselves as the exhibition runs at both galleries
until Saturday, June 29.
RHG, 35 Windmill Street, London W1T 2JS. Tel: 0207-436 4899
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm
The Charlotte Street Gallery, 28 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 2NA
Tel: 020 7255 2828 Fax: 020 7580 2828
RELATED LINKS: Click here
for the Rebecca Hossack website...
GUIDE TO PICTURES: Main picture is taken from the nude collection and
is an acrylic on canvas entitled Romi, while the picture to the right
is entitled Tumbling Boys and is an acrylic and nylon thread on canvas
RELATED STORIES: Discover the mysteries of London, NY-style. Click here...
Three Great Australians. Click here
Rebecca Hossack uncovered, gallery details. Click here