I Still Like Birds
Edan Azzopardi
30 July–16 August
Echidna, Acrylic on Fabriano 360gsm, Framed, 46.5x64cm
“Whether it’s a bird that visited a childhood backyard, a familiar call heard at dawn, or an animal encountered unexpectedly, these personal stories often stay with us”.
Edan Azzopardi (still) likes birds, though in his most ambitious exhibition to date the artist expands his repertoire beyond the avian world, delving through childhood memories, Australian nostalgia and the bush roll-call to celebrate an array of marsupials, monotremes and other iconic native wildlife that remind us just how unique and special they are.
While birds remain at the heart of his work, I Still Like Birds brings us back to ground level, highlighting some of the country’s most beloved and distinctive species on land–taking us from the waterways of the shy platypus, into the burrows of the spiked echidna, along the tracks of the feisty Tasmanian Devil, and up into the tall branches of the beloved Koala.
Capturing the charming attributes of each animal and bird in his own modernist leaning style, Azzopardi’s playful paintings seek to provide a connection between us and our native wildlife, instilling in us a deep sentimentality for our own backyard and its special inhabitants and reminding us just how special they are.
I Still Like Birds by Edan Azzopardi is presented by BSG Projects. Edan Azzopardi is represenrted by BSG Projects, Brunswick Street Gallery.
JOIN US
FRI 31 JULY 6–8PM
OPENING EVENT
Please join us to celebrate the opening of our five newest exhibitions at the gallery, including Edan Azzopardi's I Still Like Birds.
With five dynamic exhibitions opening in the same evening, all are welcome to attend and no RSVP is required.
SAT 8 AUG FROM 3PM
ARTIST EVENT
WITH EDAN AZZOPARDI
Join us for a an afternoon artist event with artist Edan Azzopardi as we mingle amongst his flock.
Explore the artistic aviary of Edan Azzopardi, a Melbourne-based painter whose lifelong love of native birds has led to an ongoing ornithological survey celebrating their colourful character.
A contemporary take on the scientific illustrations of pioneering zoologists John and Elizabeth Gould, Azzopardi pairs clean lines and minimal design with a reduced palette of block colours, producing playful portraits that boldly distinguishes each bird in the artist’s signature graphic style.
“I love putting colours together that traditionally wouldn’t work. It is nature that inspires me, seeing the vibrant colours of Australian birds contrasted against the muted tones of the Australian landscape.”
Primarily working with acrylic on beautifully textured fabriano paper, Azzopardi is dedicated to contributing towards a sustainable future for Australian birdlife. He is currently represented by Brunswick Street Gallery.
