As a lover of art, Robert Brain often ‘borrows’ from traditional works to create his own contemporary adaptations. Brain’s prolific tapestry practice explores themes such as homoerotica, art history and gender politics, imbued with irreverent humour and unexpected juxtapositions.
Brain’s tapestries function as photo albums or travel diaries, documenting his colourful and diverse life experiences. This survey exhibition, curated by Sarah Gurich, illustrates eight decades of the artist’s remarkable life in impressive detail and complex compositions: from his childhood in Tasmania; life in London and Europe in the 50s, 60s and 70s; his career as an anthropologist and academic; widespread travels; and life in the Blue Mountains where he is now based.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
Until 26 June, 2016
New South Wales
Mardi Gras, 2005, tapestry, 80 x 110cm
Photograph: Michael Wee
Courtesy the artist and Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, New South Wales
