John Maitland: The Thin Black Line

Australian Figurative artist, John Maitland, returns to Red Hill Gallery with his stunning new exhibition, The Thin Black Line, showing from 10 – 25 June.

Maitland’s relationship with Red Hill Gallery is a strong one, evidenced by the fact that he painted the exhibition exclusively for it. He says of the exhibition’s title, “From a technical perspective, The Thin Black Line has always been an important element in my work. It not only delineates parts, or all, of figures and landscape, but is a pivotal part of the composition itself, etching an emotional track through the painting.”

The artist’s oil and acrylic paintings are informed by figurative expressionism and are notable for their rigorous colour and texture, and denotations of emotive nuance. His innovative style is created and conceived outdoors, with the built-up layers in his paintings exposed to the elements and heat of the sun so that cracks and fissures created give an aged, almost archaic looking appearance.

Maitland says the exhibition showcases an acknowledgement of what have become personal motifs of how he expresses himself. “The ballerinas, a personal favourite of mine, are rarely depicted dancing. My interest is in capturing the apprehension before the performance itself, or… the elation or sheer exhaustion experienced after a performance. The kite, mother and child, boy and horse, all celebrate innocence, exuberance, freedom, and emotion.”

Don’t miss this exhibition of charming and important works. You can preview them on the Red Hill Gallery website or ask for more details by emailing Jan at [email protected]

By Vicki Englund

Red Hill Gallery is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com