“Since 1996 I have worked on one body of work, which for the sake of simplicity I have called “Alchemy”. Alchemy’s roots began with the creation of 12 ceramic sculptures whilst I shared a studio space with 8 other artist in Gorman St Marrickville. Each sculpture gave reference to one of the 12 colours on the Artist colour wheel. The genesis of this work was two fold; A. In response to Mondrian’s colour theory. Mondrian believed that by harmonizing the four primary colours on the pictorial plane, he gave an antidote to how the world’s cultures could live in Harmony. The following stages of alchemy were created and exhibited: 1. Darkening of the Form - National Art School. 1997-1998 Earlier this year “2006” I made remarkable breakthroughs and insights into Alchemy as I recreated a timeline model of the last 9 years of my work. This enabled me to consolidate the five stages into a synthesis that I now call “The Grail Castle” From the outset it was always my intention, like Mondrian, to map out the Journey into the unconscious and the creative spirit. And recalling the Philosophy of Lacan, my desire was supported by a crazy fantasy that my canon may add value to the lives of others. Lacan’s lesson was that by living our desires and fantasies will never make us truly happy, but those small moments of integrity, compassion, rationality…even self sacrifice, in the end can measure the significance of our own life. The Premise for alchemy is four-fold; North. Lacan - Desire and Fantasy My Latest body of paintings give reference to the creative climate in my studio as I prepare to recreate Alchemy in its totality. The palette reflects the seasons of spring. Vibrant lime greens & yellows are layered over golden ochres with life enhancing crimsons. Like the songs of my past, the paintings are built up layer by layer into albums of lush surfaces with painterly edges, which hold both cultural and social integrity.” Brad Munro 2006 |