IN THE GALLERY: Untitled

Neil Haddon

1 - 6 Nov 2011

Neil Haddon’s new series of paintings on aluminium explore relocation and migration, stemming from his own experience, moving from England, via Spain, to Tasmania. Included in this exhibition are paintings that explore the poignant terrain that is traversed when leaving a place of deeply felt connection to explore opportunity elsewhere. The work focuses on Timothy Walker AM (Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra), Catherine Walker (First Assistant Director General, AUSAID) and John Cauchi (former Attorney General of Tonga). Haddon attempts to find his own sense of belonging by redistributing images from the local media stories to the language of painting. Characters become disconnected from their original context as Haddon applies, then removes successive layers of oil and enamel paint. He excavates the imagery and adds in strange new elements until he comes up with entirely new contexts.