‘Where are the Strong’ is something of a survey exhibition of recent work by Sydney-based artist Steve Smith whose paintings and drawings are a collision of comic book aesthetic and the reality he observes in his daily life around Bondi Beach and beyond.
Curated by Nick Vickers, the exhibition is an expansive display of his painting and drawing practice from recent years, punctuated by some hallmark pieces of the last couple of decades. “The essence of Steve Smith’s images and the dream-like entities in his paintings and drawings are not taken from fiction but are a reality that he observes on his daily travels around his beloved Bondi and beyond into the suburbs of Sydney”, says Vickers.
This exhibition is not only a survey of Smith’s work and career as an artist but also of the changing social landscape of inner-Sydney and Bondi as the tides of people and personalities ebb and flow but from a unique vantage point. “The imaginary pre-apocalyptic propositions in his art works have evolved from his fascination with comics but also from his observations of street life from the viewpoint and anonymity of a sign writer who disappears into the world within the looking glass”, explains Vickers.
Held at Cross Art Projects in Kings Cross, the exhibiiton will be opened by MCA Curator Glenn Barkley – himself a comic enthusiast – who will discuss the ‘world of underground comics, anti-heros and back-lanes’ this Saturday, November 24, at 3pm as part of the Kings Cross Arts Festival.
Cross Art Projects
Until December 22, 2o12
Sydney
Images:
Who are the trusted? Peace, love & understanding, 2012, drawing
Hairdressers, 2012, oil on canvas
Courtesy the artist and Cross Art Projects
