Debut exhibition for Brisbane artist announced:March 4 to 18 at Mercure Hotel
Bold & Unbridled. This is the name of the debut exhibition for Brisbane artist Kristian Williams, and it is cleverly ambiguous; it depicts the nature of his very strongly-coloured, neo-expressionistic style, and it nods to the leap of faith it takes to stage a first time unveiling of works by an emerging artist in any city across the globe.
A Brisbane-born recipient of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Art (2003), 29-year old Kristian’s style celebrates bold colours, with unbridled lines a signature of the collection, one that heralds a revival of neo-expressionism meets high-end street art. His 30-piece debut exhibition opens on March 4 in Brisbane at the Mercure Hotel and will run for two weeks.
Born with natural creativity and flair inherited by both parents, Kristian embarked on his artistic journey before he could reach an easel; his love for the brush and colour was natural. In 2009, he completed an undergraduate degree in creative industries majoring in visual art, and then further pursued his Masters of Creative Advertising. After success in both creative industries and high end fashion, last year he took that leap of faith, deciding to concentrate full time on his true passion – painting.
Always fascinated by the neo-expressionist movement, Kristian draws inspiration from the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Norris Embry; tapping into his own unique sense of artistic style, colour-coding and rhythm.
What is depicted in this, his first independent exhibition, are arresting and powerful images. While some capture the angst of the human condition in all its rawness and pain, a rainbow of bright colours applied in thick, decorative slabs, promise the viewer all is not lost.
Other works are gentler, as they explore certain quirkiness – almost a tongue in cheek humour.
His work makes reference to the human condition, but also explores expressive directions that have created pieces of work that affirm the redemptive power of art in general and painting in particular. He regularly references mythological, cultural and surrealist themes – often waking up from a dream and painting what his mind just experienced.
On one end of the spectrum, his use of bold colours and violent emotive lines create very bold, statement pieces while other works are gentler, as they explore the quirkiness – almost tongue in cheek humour – of the human soul.
He explores social commentary and individuality by using bold colors and sometimes violent, emotive lines, by literally throwing paint onto the canvas once the foundations of his art are complete.
Bold & Unbridled, An Exhibition by Kristian Williams opens on March 4 at the Mercure Hotel in Brisbane and will run for two weeks until March 18. The opening event will be curated by Brisbane Fashion Leader, Ms Di Cant.
WHAT: Bold & Unbridled: An Exhibition by Kristian Williams
Where: Mercure Hotel, 85 North Quay, Brisbane
When: March 4 until March 18, 2015
Entry: Free
