John Davis: Presence

Editorial

When: 6 August - 24 October 2010
Where: National Gallery of Victoria - Ian Potter Centre
Tickets: Free entry

Today, with our awareness of the world around us heightened by the impact of drought and climate change, an artist whose works reflect an interest in sustainability and the environment is not uncommon. It was a very different story in the 1970s, when Melbourne-based artist John Davis began to exhibit a series of sculptures and installations informed by the ecology movement and displaying an awareness of the impact of human actions on the environment.

In the survey exhibition, John Davis: Presence, the National Gallery of Victoria presents a detailed study of the Ballarat-born artist's career, from his early works, produced in the 1960s, through to his influential sculptures and installation works leading into the 1990s.

"John Davis was a pioneering Australian artist who during his life achieved a critically acclaimed international reputation as a sculptor and installation artist. This important exhibition has a particular focus on the artist's interest in found and fragile organic materials, and the powerful evocation of the landscape," says David Hurlston, Curator of Australian Art at the NGV.

One exhibition highlight is a series of works Davis created using fish as a metaphor for humanity's relationships with each other and the environment; and art lovers and environmentalists alike will be drawn to the artist's tenderly assembled works made of natural materials, including leaves and twigs, which highlight the fragile beauty of nature.

Reflecting a sensitive awareness of the world around us, you will be charmed, moved and deeply engaged by John Davis: Presence.

Richard Watts, Citysearch

Image caption
John Davis
Australia 1936-99
The collection 1991
twigs, cotton thread, calico, bituminous paint
44.0 x 144.0 x 35.0 cm
Private collection, Melbourne
© Penelope Davis & Martin Davis.
Administered by VISCOPY, Australia