Rene Magritte: The Blank Cheque (1965)

Magritte: Personal Values

Dream-like Day

Bill Robinson at QUT Gallery

Yesterday was quite surreal in a number of ways - great weather, wonderful company, unique artworks. I spent most of my day in art galleries - viewing the current Surrealism exhibition in Brisbane and the 2010 Minister's Awards for Creative Excellence before heading on to the QUT galleries to look at the works of William Robinson, my college painting instructor.

His work in particular was exceptional - the works of a master infused with life, colour, humour and personality - all aglow on large canvasses which capture Qld's unique landscapes as well as delicate oils and gouaches taking us into his intimate world of interior settings as we're invited into Bill's homelife. For me, these works were richer than the surreal offerings at GoMA and although I know I was standing in front of some of the great works of Man Ray, Magritte, Giacometti and de Chirico - all personal heroes - Bill's works still left me astounded at what is possible with paint when in the hands of a master.

Man Ray - Prayer

The Surrealist show was definitely worth seeing due to the magnitude of the works on loan and the opportunity to see the works up close. Surprises for me were the small scale of Man Ray's photographs (particularly The Prayer); the application of paint by Magritte and the lack of detail in some of his works;  Magritte's overuse and underuse of varnish in various works; The violence of some of the  early surrealists and their fascination with homicide; and overall the lack of colour and the darkness of the pieces. With so much black and white photography and large screening of early surrealist films, one would expect a degree of darkness, but I was surprised by the overall browns and blacks and limited colour use. I suppose I shouldn't be given the movement's development out of Dadaism and the period following WWI. Standouts were Max Ernst's early pieces with almost fluroscent use of paint.



A crisp morning, strong sunlight and a pleasurable day viewing paintings. What better way to spend the day in my house of worship? Not recommended for everyone and there is intensive reading for those who have several hours to spend - it is quite a serious exhibition presenting the development of the Surrealist manifesto and early publications of literature and graphics - but worthwhile to give you a good overview and the opportunity of seeing some great works. I'll be heading back for a second longer look in the next few weeks.

Burn brightly, Pete.

Magritte : Decalomania (1966)

Magritte : The Unexpected Answer (1926)

Magritte - Black Magic (1945)

Magritte : Song of Love (1964)

Rene Magritte (The Lovers II - 1928)