lucas grogan: black + blue

‘x disarm x #10’ by lucas grogan

melbourne-based artist lucas grogan developed a series of intricate circular paintings entitled ‘black + blue’. each piece is formed from ink, watercolor and acrylic marks made upon a mat board. the ‘black + blue’ series investigates contemporary cultural issues with incredibly detailed shapes formed by a collection of precise lines and dots. the indigenous stylistic approach appropriated by grogan alters a form generally reserved for the depiction of spiritual scenes. he adopts meticulous painting techniques usually reserved for artists descended from the tribes in which the individual possesses linage in order to investigate issues such as alcohol and sex– these topics not at all indicative of traditional indigenous iconography. grogan’s work, as a white australian man, responds to the polarized nature of traditional aboriginal and contemporary australian art worlds. his work attempts to reconcile the two artistic practices into a more cohesive style representative of a more holistic contemporary australian aesthetic.

left: ‘x disarm x #9’ right: ‘x disarm x #12’

left: ‘x disarm x #14’ right: ‘x disarm x #13’

left: ‘x disarm x #6’ right: ‘x disarm x #2’

‘x disarm x #7’

left: ‘x disarm x #15’ right: x disarm x #16′

left: ‘x disarm x #17’ right: ‘x disarm x #1’

‘you’ve been out all night, babe’

‘spit it out babe’

‘yeah babe, its been a tough night out’

‘lucas grogan black + blue’ by iain dawson gallery

via the jealous curator