ALUMINUM LEAF ON WOOD PANEL, 40 X 40 X 2 IN. | |
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Punctuations of gilding in precious metals, for which the artist is well-known, are suggestive of alchemy and both western and non-western religious beliefs. The use of gold, in particular, has a long history which dates back to Egyptian tomb reliefs and paintings. More recently, it has associations with honour, consciousness and enlightenment, which Gimblett draws upon, embracing its significance across cultures.
Key works in the exhibition, such as New Zealand - For Len Lye and Sea Change have a distinct relationship to our country, channeling tones of green and blue that Gimblett relates to our place in the Pacific. Sea Change, moreover, references Ariel's song in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest,' with the lines "But doth suffer a sea-change. Into something rich and strange," suggesting a substantial, holistic change in perspective, or metamorphosis. Other works, such as Altar and The Paths of Time, have a complex use of layering as the artist works into the surface time and time again.
In relation to his practice, Gimblett finds positives in the recent pandemic, mentioning that it has given him a concentrated period to focus on his work with no distractions. He recently shifted to a new studio space in New York, commenting that in doing so, he's "shifted from an afternoon painter to a morning painter because of the direction of the east/west light. The light, both natural and electric, is much brighter in the new space." Gimblett sees this impacting his work, increasing the 'inner light' of his paintings, evident in works such as Christ Risen.
Talking about the experience of viewing work, Gimblett discusses;
"Looking into a painting takes time. To move from the third dimension to the fourth and fifth, stand in front of the work and let it develop in your third eye and solar plexus. Don't rush this looking. Understanding painting is to increase and improve your inner life, to be an inspiration, although mute and silent, to speak. Be with the painting in all forms of natural light during the day and night. Have the faith that whatever you are thinking about and feeling in front of the painting is essential to your inner life."
Max Gimblett x Lawson's Dry Hills |
Alongside the exhibition we are pleased to be hosting the launch of a new collaboration between Lawson's Dry Hills and Max Gimblett, whose paintings are the inspiration for the labels on this exclusive limited edition.
"Lawson's Dry Hills, in a collaboration with Max Gimblett, is enormously proud to present a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay carefully selected and lovingly sculptured from the superb 2019 vintage, with each bottle adorned with an outstanding label representing one of Max's chosen works.
Two special wines that celebrate our connection to the land, Tim's connection to Max, and my connection to Tim. And, as with Max's exuberant art, two wines that are the culmination of decades of hard earned knowledge, meticulous craftsmanship and an overwhelming passion to create and explore." - Marcus Wright, Winemaker
"Lawson's Dry Hills, in a collaboration with Max Gimblett, is enormously proud to present a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay carefully selected and lovingly sculptured from the superb 2019 vintage, with each bottle adorned with an outstanding label representing one of Max's chosen works.
Two special wines that celebrate our connection to the land, Tim's connection to Max, and my connection to Tim. And, as with Max's exuberant art, two wines that are the culmination of decades of hard earned knowledge, meticulous craftsmanship and an overwhelming passion to create and explore." - Marcus Wright, Winemaker
detail
A Person Looks At A Work Of Art/
someone looks at something...
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