Contemporary Art Features
Monthly - December 2023
Paintings by Christopher Russell
Art Feature
Introduction by Stefano Guila, December, 2023.
This feature presents selected pieces of artwork of contemporary Australian artist Christopher Russell who has infrequently exhibited his artwork since the early 1980s. ( The BW photo to the right is a waterless electric kettle to make cups of steam)
Brief:
This months artwork is by Australian artist Christopher Russell, also known from Xristo Artworks online gallery, as a musician (mainly drummer) for various Melbourne alternative rock and blues bands including Gothic Farmyard during the 1980s and his ongoing collaborative music project called Xtrobitz. Russell's art is penetrating in its commentary about the absurd experience of being human. His art delves into themes such as identity, emotions, relationships, and the human condition in a world dealing with chaos and confusion as it has attempted to cope with analog to digital modes of thinking and processing experiences.
Through his unique style and use of symbolism, Russell’s work invites viewers to contemplate their own existence and the complexities of human nature as they question their role in a world disassociated with its past as it tries to grasp hold of its future and the changes coming. The pieces often provoke introspection and empathy, offering a deep exploration of what it means to be human and have to question everything colourful coated and happy in appearance. Much of what people learnt to trust over time is being upturned at a rapid pace.
The artworks are painted in joyful colour with dragged brushwork that describes some of the subject matter but leaves many objects unrecognisable. They are an absurd look at change and not everything is what it seems.
Artworks 1. Fertility cycle, Chickens recycle scraps to make new eggs V1. Artworks 2. 'On The Beach' deals with the new insecurity and inflatable nuclear powered subs at the seaside.
Artwork 3. The Christmas Kiss. It is a metaphor about the obligatory Xmas greeting with family, gorging on food and exchanging gifts hoping that social harmony and a connection will be maintained. It is the expectation that does not always fit the stereotype of Xmas being a happy joyous celebration of family. For some it is a slap in the head and reignites family disharmony as they reflect on another year passing and revive old regrets, complain about the money they spend and the effort they go through to stage the event and make everyone happy.
More information about Christopher Russell and his artwork can be found on his website, Instagram page and purchased through Gallery 247 and Bluethumb online. Here are two weblink below.
Artist one in the series, A snapshot of Christopher Russell.
Christopher Russell - Purchase from Xristo Artworks Gallery online