bolters
zander clark
30 may–16 june
In the annals of Australian history, bushrangers stand as enigmatic figures, straddling the line between villainy and heroism. BOLTERS delves into the intricacies of their existence, shedding light on the complexities that define their legacy. Through a series of evocative oil paintings, this exhibition peels back the layers of myth and folklore to reveal the unvarnished truth of the bushrangers’ lives.
Contrary to popular perception, these outlaws were not mere caricatures of lawlessness. Instead, they were individuals navigating a harsh and unforgiving terrain, driven by circumstances often beyond their control. BOLTERS seeks to humanise these figures, depicting the trials and tribulations they faced in their quest for survival and autonomy.
At its core, BOLTERS is a reflection of the artist’s own yearning for escape from the confines of modern society. Just as the bushrangers sought refuge in the vast expanse of the Australian wilderness, the artist grapples with his desire to flee from the complexities of modern life in an increasingly unstable world. Clark is drawn to the rebellious spirit, and the constant instinct to challenge societal norms that the bushrangers have come to symbolise, and he reaches to them for strength as he grows more despondent with the current state of the world and those that “lead” us.
Through the lens of history, BOLTERS offers a poignant exploration of the human condition – a timeless tale of defiance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
Please join us for a drink to celebrate the opening of BOLTERS on Friday 31 May (6–8PM)
Zander Clark is an emerging Australian Artist who paints as a way to try and understand the hard truths of our nation’s colonial history. His love for history and art come together in his oil paintings that focus on notions of both heroes and villains from Australia’s tumultuous past.
His artistic endeavours serve as a personal quest to reconcile the internal conflict stemming from his identity as a white Australian residing on indigenous land, while simultaneously expressing profound admiration for his homeland.
Employing the wet-on-wet technique, Clark adeptly captures the essence of his subjects in a single session, infusing each brushstroke with a palpable energy and emotion that resonates within the canvas.
