Colour My Alibi Group exhibition

Ry David Bradley Melb Adele Daniele Melb Ali Noble Syd

Somewhere Gallery, Naarm/Melbourne CBD 2011

Curated by Phe Luxford

Colour My Alibi considers the subjective role of colour within contemporary image making. The emotive quality of the visual - pleasure, excitement or clash - is explored through the work of three artists whose practices utilise synthetic, saturated digital printing and collage techniques to fuse vivid social fragments into new visual forms. Referencing a complex repertoire of images derived from popular culture; 1960s psychedelic wallpaper patterns, 1970s stocking packaging or mass produced advertising posters, each of these artists has stripped away associated commercial imperatives to reveal their own sense of pure retinal pleasure.

Seductive and bold, their work foregrounds an insatiable desire to play with the neon, plastic and lurid within the urban environment. While form is of importance to each, it is within their use of tint and saturation that a truly adventurous visual delight occurs. Their work asks us to consider why colour excites us and invites the question of how the production of modern colour dyes and inks has come to influence the piquant flavour of our modern visual palette. - Phe Luxford.

Creative process I drew inspiration from my extensive collection of vintage hosiery amassed over 25 years. Beyond the material, I was intrigued by the stories these garments held, reflecting a past era of elegance and femininity. To rejuvenate these timeless pieces, I rephotographed poses from hosiery packaging using models.

I incorporated found images of swamps and the Australian bush—landscapes tied to my ancestral roots and family migration. The swamps symbolized aspects of my heritage, while the rugged beauty of the Australian bush represented the resilience of my ancestors.

As I combined these diverse elements, a narrative unfolded—a story of heritage, migration, and the evolution of femininity. The contrast between vintage hosiery and raw landscapes sparked a dialogue between the past and present, prompting viewers to ponder the complexities of identity and the passage of time.

Through this exploration, I aimed to honor my ancestors and their journey while elevating the ordinary to art. Each image became a visual representation of a larger story, capturing the essence of my heritage and the universal human experience of adaptation and evolution. It was a heartfelt project, allowing me to connect with my roots and express myself creatively in a deeply personal and meaningful way.