Guy Maestri – ‘Unearth'
"Known for his bold en plein air paintings, the landscapes in this exhibition are the result of a three month residency in Hamilton, Western Victoria. These works acknowledge the affect that farming has had on this ancient landscape and pay tribute to a number of iconic Australian artists who have painted this area throughout history.
Unearth also contains a number of Maestri's richly painted road kill. Viewing these works as an extension of his landscapes, they are both a celebration of beauty and a homage to Australia's native fauna.
Maestro states:
These self-portrait sculptures are not about preservation or beauty and have instead been brought about in a different way to the paintings. The raw material can be pushed, kneaded, frozen, split, melted and carved. The perfect medium to explore oneself, They're more about deconstruction, exploration, and understanding, Unearthing."
Wreck no 22, Guy Maestri, 2016
Ghost no. II, Guy Maestri, 2016
Xerox, no. III, Guy Maestri, 2016
The Jan Murphy Gallery is located on Brunswick Street in the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. In March 2015 the Gallery celebrated 20 years. This is a high art gallery that exhibits and sells contemporary art.
-------Follow Up Questions-------
List 3 mediums artist Guy Maestri uses in his art practice and describe his style of work.
Maestri primarily uses painting and sculpture throughout his art practice. He uses bronze or plasticine for his sculptures, and also covers some in oil paint. In his painting practice Maestri explored landscapes, portraits and, in this exhibition, road kill (animals).
I would consider Maestri's style to be similar to impasto. He tends to use thick obvious brushstrokes to capture something unique in the work.
What major Australian award did Maestri win in 2009?
The Archibald Prize.
Briefly describe the relationship(s) between Maestri’s paintings and sculptures.
Maestri's sculptures take on a very painterly form. He covers many of his sculptures in oil paint, making them appear almost like paintings. The sculptures are kneaded and moved around so much that it looks like a painting come to life. The sculptures look like they are made of brushstrokes.
In both of these mediums, painting & sculpture, Maestri explores beauty in different ways.
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