contemporary art world. Typically large meandering canvases tell of complex, yet fundamental, stories of ownership and land rights fused with whimsical stories of creation handed from generation to generation.R E D O T F I N E A R T G A L L E R Y in conjunction with Joshua Bonson The Spinifex artists continue to paint traditional stories and document kinship responsibilities and these works have become widely knownpresents in the fine art world as some of the most important modern contemporary Indigenous art pieces being produced today. This growing reputation is also gaining international acclaim and the works are now housed within major art and museum collections both in Australia and overseas, with recent acquisitions by the British Museum making headlines and a major show in Germany in 2013. This exhibition showcasing works by old master such as Fred Grant, Ned Grant, Roy Underwood, Estelle Hogan, Tjaruwa Woods and Lawrence Pennington, to mention but a few, opens on Wednesday, 14th May and runs till Saturday, 21st June 2014 and it is a must-see for anyone interested in following the development of modern contemporary Indigenous art, from one of the Aboriginal art movements most remote, refreshing and innovative art centres.
Skins by Joshua Bonson
Giorgio Pilla Director ReDot Fine Art Gallery
17 th September - 25 th October 2014
For a high resolution, downloadable, PDF version of the this catalogue, with pricing, please send us an email to info@redotgallery.com Thank you.
c o n t e m p o r a r y
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Skins by Joshua Bonson The ReDot Fine Art Gallery is delighted to announce the addition of a new artist to its stable with the showing of a series of new works by Joshua Bonson, one of the Northern Territories most exciting young emerging talents of recent years. Skins by Joshua Bonson will be Joshua’s first overseas solo show, following hot off the first solo and sell-out show in Australia in 2013 and will showcase over 25 recent works by this Darwin born and bred Indigenous man whom captured the attention of the Australian Art Scene by storm, becoming the youngest ever finalist in the 24th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (2007) at the tender age of only 18, one of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes. To show this was no flash in the pan this was followed up in 2008 by being again selected for the 25th Telstra Award. Accolades have followed him ever since and at the age of 22, he won the Togart Contemporary Art Award, the youngest ever winner. In 2013 Joshua made it a hat-trick of Telstra nominations, a finalist in the City of Albany Art Prize and winner of the Top End NAIDOC artist of the year prize 2014.
Born in 1988, this now 25 year old has already achieved more in his career than many do in a lifetime, his work has already been collected by major institutions, including the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), the Kerry Stokes Collection, the Wheelock Properties Collection, the Toga Contemporary Art Collection and Art Bank Collection to name but a few. Bonson is a painter who works in a highly textured, but largely monochromatic style, which is a form of abstract expressionism. Bonson recreates the scales of a saltwater crocodile, which is his totem. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of paint, his works read as a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. “Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” Joshua and his peers are important – they express a perspective on a particular reality that can help us better understand the social condition of young Indigenous people at this point in time and this will be critical as modern Indigenous people find their place in modern Australian life. This exhibition, which will be attended by Joshua, opens on Wednesday, 17th September and runs till Saturday, 25th October 2014 and it is a must-see for anyone interested in following the development of modern contemporary Indigenous art, from one of the countries youngest and most talented urban artists. Giorgio Pilla Director ReDot Fine Art Gallery
Joshua Bonson – Winner of the Northern Territory Young Achiever Award, Artist of the Year; 2014 (left) Source: © Joshua Bonson
Joshua BONSON
Birth Date Place of Birth
30.10.88 Darwin, NT
Born-and-bred Darwin artist Joshua Bonson has exploded onto the national art stage with work that’s been represented in one of the country’s top art awards and has taken out another. Collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Kerry Stokes, Toga Group and Art bank include his work, as do many private collections both nationally and internationally. Bonson is a painter who works in a highly textured, but largely monochromatic style, which is a form of abstract expressionism. Bonson recreates the scales of a saltwater crocodile, which is his totem. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of paint, his works read as a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. “Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” For two years running, at age 18 and 19, Joshua was the youngest-ever finalist in the prestigious Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. At 22, he won the Togart Contemporary Art Award. In 2013 Joshua was again a finalist in the 30th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Finalist in the City of Albany Art Prize and Winner of the Top End NAIDOC artist of the year. This year Joshua holds his first solo exhibition internationally and has been awarded the Young Achievers Award NT, Artist of the Year 2014. In 2015, Joshua has been awarded a 6 weeks scholarship at Bundanon Trust Artists Retreat, NSW, provided by Ervin Vidor, Director of the Toga Group.
Collections National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, ACT Kerry Stokes Collection, Perth, WA Toga Contemporary Art Collection Art bank Collection, Sydney, NSW H.M & R.A Horton Collection, QLD & New Zealand PricewaterhouseCoopers Collection, Perth, WA Duncan Powell Collection, Adelaide, SA Somerville Community Services Inc. NT Varga Coombs Collection, NSW Wheelock Properties Collection
Awards 2015 Bundanon Trust Artists Retreat, NSW 6 Weeks Scholarship provided by Ervin Vidor, Director of the Toga Group 2014 Winner:Young Achievers Award NT, Artist of the Year 2014 2013 Winner: Top End NAIDOC artist of the year 2013 Finalist: City of Albany Contemporary Art Prize, WA Finalist: 30th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, NT 2011 Winner: Togart Contemporary Art Award, NT 2008 Finalist: 25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, NT 2007 Finalist: 24th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award, NT
Selected Exhibitions 2014 Solo Exhibition: ReDot Fine Art Gallery, Singapore Group Exhibition Australian Experimental Art Foundation, Lion Arts Centre, Adelaide, SA 2013 Solo Exhibition Centre for Contemporary Art, Darwin, NT Group Exhibition Australian Experimental Art Foundation, Lion Arts Centre, Adelaide, SA 2012 Solo Exhibition Harvison Gallery, Perth, WA 2011 Solo Exhibition Harvison Gallery, Perth, WA 2010 Group Exhibition: Melbourne Art Fair, Karen Brown Gallery
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 200 x 160cm JB0550
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. I loved painting this work, lots of layers creating water movement and the texture of the crocodile’s skin.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 200 x 160cm JB0580
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. There’s movement, texture, water, hints of ochre / yellow and the sea. Become part of the work... Run your fingers across the surface...
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 170 x 125cm JB0572
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. This is dedicated to my Grandfather, Donald Bonson Sr. Saltwater man.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 157 x 120cm JB0579
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. There’s movement, texture, water, hints of ochre / yellow and the sea. Become part of the work... Run your fingers across the surface...
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 150 x 80cm JB0505
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. This work was a finalist in the Albany Art prize, Perth,WA 2013.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 122 x 122cm JB0541
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0562
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. A part of me is in this work... Running my hands over the painting is pure enjoyment. The end result is strong like armour, yet contains such softness.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 120 x 120cm JB0563
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Deep blue of the water... The armour can been seen as the sunlight catches the textures.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0574
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Music is playing and I’m dancing as I paint this work...
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0575
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. So powerful, great vibes...
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0576
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Skin, classic me... Black and White.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0577
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. The hints of orange here represent the sunlight as night falls.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Linen 120 x 120cm JB0578
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Feel it! Become part of the work... Run your fingers across the surface...
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 125 x 92cm JB0534
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 138 x 74cm JB0565
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. It has my country and my place in it, with rich earthy tones and layers of texture.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 125 x 95cm JB0569
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Shifting tides and waves roll over the skin.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 125 x 95cm JB0570
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. My Totem, Crocodile.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 120 x 95cm JB0573
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. Shimmer on the skin, rays of light capture the texture.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 120 x 94cm JB0511
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 120 x 94cm JB0510
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 120 x 95cm JB0526
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 108 x 75cm JB0559
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 108 x 75cm JB0560
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 110 x 78cm JB0561
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 95 x 65cm JB0427
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 95 x 65cm JB0428
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 95 x 65cm JB0429
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 95 x 65cm JB0430
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 92 x 61cm JB0530
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 82 x 74cm JB0564
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage. It was relaxing and pure enjoyment while creating this work. Love it!
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 76 x 77cm JB0566
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 75 x 80cm JB0567
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 77 x 75cm JB0568
“Skin is a celebration of my family’s totem,The Saltwater Crocodile and my personal view of the world. Even though I live in the Northern Territory, part of my heritage comes from the Torres Strait and creating this work is my way of trying to represent my skins affiliations and my place there.” The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint, applied by hand or directly from the tube... It is a close-up of a reptile’s skin, and a landscape both seen from a distance and up-close. Thick layers of blues and aqua represent the sea; shades of burnt orange and ochre create the details of rocks and sand reflecting country. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
Joshua BONSON
Skin Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas 75 x 60cm JB0521
Skin alludes to my people and my totem, the crocodile; it tells of the saltwater people and the saltwater crocodile, the key to my totem. Skin works on different levels: it can be read as a close up of a reptile’s skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand. The armoured skin of the reptile is shown by the built up serrations of the paint applied by hand or directly from the tube. Layer upon layer of paint is reapplied over many weeks building and creating the textured 3D result. I want the viewer to feel the presence of the reptile, run their hands across its skin, know its strength and also see the country from where it came, where I come from. Contemporary in appearance; the dot-painting technique is imaginative given more weight and more paint, the thick slab floats on an apparently watery surface. Skin is both a contemporary abstract work and a painting that embodies indigenous traditions and meanings that stretch back over time. Culture is an important part of my life and plays an equally important part in my art. The Bonson family’s culture has been lost over the years, and together through our artwork my sister and I are both trying to regain it to trace it back and find it again. We know the basics and we’re just trying to find our place in it all. Painting is a way for me to share my personal view of the world and my place in it. My great grandmother was from Badu in the Torres Strait Islands and her eldest son is my grandfather, Donald Bonson, senior. He is the inspiration for my work. He says everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.
With Special Thanks to Joshua Bonson
Joshua Painting for Singapore Show, Source: Š Joshua Bonson
REDOT FINE ART GALLERY ArtSpace@Helutrans, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, Gallery 9 Unit #01-05, Singapore 089065 +65 6222 1039 • info@redotgallery.com
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