Bobby Bowers paints exactly how he sees the world — the intensity of light, texture, pollen, scent and even sound — it’s evocative, verdant and undeniably nostalgic.
In fact, the title of his TDF Collect show — ‘Surely, this is the place they sing about’ — is a reference to this rose-tinted outlook.
‘I do a lot of walking and looking around different suburbs, just taking it all in and then developing paintings over months of work and contemplation,’ he says.
His paintings are a measure of time. This exhibition in particular marks the shift in seasons between summer and autumn, bringing with it the addition of ‘surprisingly vibrant’ pinks and yellows.
Bobby uses acrylic paints in his work. ‘I enjoy its ability to show light and shadow in the same way I perceive it,’ he explains. ‘The best example of this is seen in the foliage of my landscape paintings, which are exaggerated to strengthen the impression of that first glance while out on a walk.’
He scratches and layers paint back and forth to capture every detail; the brightening, sharpening, softening, shifting — and in some cases even disappearing — light according to the season and the time of day.
It’s impossible to look at the 11 pieces he’s created for this exhibition and not be reminded of a past or present home, a friend’s neighbourhood or even a street corner passed on the daily commute.
Even the names of the pieces themselves — ‘What Night Is Bin Night?’, for example — are laced with familiarity and humour. Perhaps the best way to sum up the show is hidden in another of the work’s names; ‘Ordinary Magic’.
Bobby has found the extraordinary in the ordinary.
‘Surely, this is the place they sing about’ officially opens on October 31 (if you’re in Melbourne, please join us for the opening at 5.30!), but in the meantime pre-sales are open from today!
See the full catalogue of works here, and email art@thedesignfiles.net to purchase.
Surely, this is the place they sing about
TDF Collect
14 Little Oxford Street
Collingwood, VIC
Opening night:
Thursday October 31, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Exhibition dates:
Friday November 1, 10am – 4pm
Saturday November 2, 10am – 4pm
Sunday November 3, CLOSED
Monday November 4, 10am – 4pm
Tuesday November 5, 10am – 4pm
For all artwork sales and enquiries please contact art@thedesignfiles.net and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
TDF Collect exhibitions are generously supported by Dulux, Bodriggy, and TINA.
