Opening Conversation
Gallery Tour
We are very excited to be presenting a dual exhibition of artwork by Ray Monde alongside Sydney artist Matthew Fennelly. Both artists are passionate and sophisticated in their approach to their themes and art making practices, and this show will be an excellent introduction to their work.
‘After the Fires’
Braidwood artist Ray Monde is currently living in Seattle. Before he left for a one year stay in the USA, Ray experienced the full onslaught of the recent bushfires and fled to an evacuation centre for safety. Ray was awarded a local creative arts scholarship in Goulburn to create a series of artworks in response to these December 2019 bushfires. Some of these works are being shown locally in December 2020 on the one-year anniversary, and to coincide with the the Braidwood show, an exhibition of the collection will be exhibited at Purple Noon Gallery.
“A year ago today lightning strikes started the fire that would keep Braidwood on its toes for three months. I deleted almost all the photos I took because I wanted to forget except for this absurdity, a loaded trolley bag in the canoe when the fires cut off my only way out. I’m not the same person today as I was before the fires. Braidwood is closer and stronger because of this”.
After the Fires Artworks
‘Compendium’
Defined by traffic, throngs of people, and a repeated pattern of artificial and natural light, Sydney artist Matthew Fennelly captures the ephemerality and speed of modern city life and the anonymity of busy urban spaces. This series of Newtown works defines Matthew’s response to a global environment that is culturally diverse, technologically advancing, and multifaceted. Working in a range of mediums, (gouache and ink in the Newtown series and oil on canvas for his still life shelves), Matthew is reflecting on and documenting on modern-day society.
Matthew’s ability to capture the ephemeral resonates with views of familiar Sydney street scenes, and stacked bookshelves. He has a sophisticated understanding of, and outstanding ability, to add depth and space to two-dimensional surfaces. It is no surprise then that Matthew has now embarked on an architectural career adding to an already impressive Fines Arts Diploma, National Arts School degree and having been finalist in a number of major national art prizes.
Architecture may now take centre stage, however Matthew has indicated that his love of painting will always be part of the creative mix.
