Exhibition 20^thApril to 8^th May 2005

Stephen Armstrong “Travellers and Urban Scapes”

and

Shivalee Lees “ Spacial Aspects”

When acclaimed Melbourne artists, Stephen Armstrong and Shivalee Lees approached us regarding a shared exhibition, we were rather surprised. Aside from their long standing friendship, impressive list of awards, exhibitions and academic achievements, they have absolutely no common link as painters.

But presented as two solo shows, each artist’s exhibition succeeds in its intention.

For Stephen, it’s about Train Travel, like a diary from his daily trips to Melbourne from Clifton Hill or Fairfield station. It’s about capturing the nuances of fellow passengers. Of depicting endless urban sights (graffiti notwithstanding) viewed through the large windows like a big movie screen.

The paintings boldly worked with thick, broad brush strokes, make a strong statement about the artist’s absolute confidence with subject and medium. Regarded as an artist’s artist, Stephen Armstrong is widely acclaimed by his peers.

For Shivalee, it’s about connective spaces. Wall meets floor, meets wall, etc.

Each image is a beautifully created spacial experiment. The unique surfaces indicate the painstaking, but loving process which was applied to achieve the effect of many delicate hues appearing through a very finely grained, matt surface, or, alternatively, rich, thickly applied colours which glow through a burnished, glossy surface. The result is a collection of skilfully painted abstracts imbued with an exquisite sense of serenity.

Artist CV: Please click on the link Stephen Armstrong or Shivalee Lees for a detailed background including academic grounding, exhibitions, awards, collections etc.