Looking for the Tiger is an exhibition of selected art works over four decades by local artist Russell Kent, showing at Berninneit, Cowes from November 15 to 26.
The name of the exhibition has been taken from the title of a 1998 painting Russell did about the demise of the Australian Thylacine.
Over 24 works have been selected from 1976 to 2016; paintings, drawings and a couple of cameo sculptures.
Russell was born on Phillip Island and lived most of his life in Ventnor, except for early childhood years in Wonthaggi and five years in Perth in his early twenties.
He died in Wonthaggi in December 2019.
In Perth he found his feet as an artist living in studios, disused office space in the city and in High Street, Fremantle. He worked in proximity with other artists and developed his distinctive self-taught style, a blend of realism, imagination and storytelling, sometimes quirky and other times factual.
In 1980 he moved back to Phillip Island and the island began to influence his work.
"In Perth my ideas had been more surreal and to do with city living; landscapes were regarded with contempt," he wrote in his journal in 1986.
"Now l am living within a landscape and like it or not, it is exerting its influence on me."
Russell's art shows this fascination with the surreal with a romantic bent. Talks about the surrounding landscape and its history, the demise of species and wish for a better return. His practice of life drawing and landscapes blend where bare hills simulate bodies.
He strived for mastery of medium and truth to his initial vision and made studies from past sketches, photos and his imagination.
Josephine Allen, curator, widow and fellow artist says: "I chose the art from those available at home and in good condition that showcased his journey as an artist. It will be an intimate exhibition in the small community space. There are some pieces that have never been exhibited before, some golden oldies and a few tigers!"
The majority of the art is for sale and the exhibition is on between November 15 and 26, at Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm, and weekends 10am-4pm. Free entry.
Presented in partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council.
Website: www.islandinfluence.com.au/russell-kent
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