Bailer: Duality
Duality, an exhibition from Melbourne artist, Bailer, at fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne.
Featuring paintings and sculptural works that traverse liminal states of being, Duality aims to explore the ever-changing state of the human condition. Through abstraction, the viewer is immersed, unlocking their own mutable states of mind and coming to understand that nothing ever stays the same. All is fluid, moving.
Capturing a likeness of something that already occupies space has never really interested Bailer. Instead, the development of a personal style and the refinement of an enjoyable cathartic process takes precedence. Process is the most important part of Bailer’s artistic expression, and is clearly apparent in his work.
In Bailer’s own words: I have used art (and an array of other activities) as a form of escapism for many years. Graffiti, muralism, sketching, writing, all forms of creativity I have used to escape the hands of time, the act of contemplating my own successes/failures, impending mortality, the inequities of an unjust society. Getting deeply lost in the creative process is like ducking my head below the breakers. The roar of the ocean instantly forgotten in the calm below, surfacing for air briefly only to dive deeper. The noise of self- doubt, expectation and pressure fading into the depths.
Painting publicly in Melbourne for 20 years, Bailer’s style is instantly recognisable. The roots of his work are embedded deeply in the graffiti subculture, and his new pieces push outside the self-imposed boundaries of genre. Bailer’s studio practice and public art incorporate a broad range of artistic modes.
Bailer’s art practice is varied: from large scale creations across walls in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Bali and Europe to more intimate approaches on canvas evoking existential explorations of the mind. His work is a fusion of biomech – surrealist manifestations of the self – expressed within abstract forms. Bailer’s art is currently positioned within these liminal states of the mind.
Bailer: Duality
30 January – 10 February 2018
fortyfivedownstairs
45 Flinders Lane
Melbourne 3000
fortyfivedownstairs.com
Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 12pm-4pm
Exhibition enquiries: Briar Holt (Gallery Manager)
03 9662 9966, briar@fortyfivedownstairs.com
