Accomplished Western Australian artist Tom Blake has returned to Perth from Sydney and will exhibit his first solo hometown show since 2017, focusing on the movement and rhythm of water.
Opening at the City of Melville’s Goolugatup Heathcote on Friday, 16 February as part of the Perth Festival, the exhibition is titled ‘thoughts are metallic they melt in salt water,’ drawing its title from a line by poet Etel Adnan.
Blake’s practice is wide-ranging, and audiences can expect a rhythmic, reflective exhibition comprising over a dozen new works spanning video, paintings, cyanotypes, wire drawings, and hand etched de-silvered mirrors.
Goolugatup Heathcote Senior Curator and Melville Contemporary Creative Lead Jana Braddock said visitors were in store for a special exhibition.
“Goolugatup Heathcote is thrilled to present Tom’s art for the Perth Festival,” said Braddock.
“Tom is an excellent artist with an incredibly refined style which captures the rhythm and beauty of everyday life.
“Recently relocated to Perth, Tom’s work has rarely been shown here in this comprehensive manner. We think audiences will love this show and can’t wait to share.”
Blake has approached the gallery space at Goolugatup Heathcote as if it were a coastal stream – specifically a spinning eddy – where the water pauses for a moment before combining with the sea.
The exhibition encourages viewers to consider themes of water, opacity, time, disintegration, reflection and the potential for the chaotic within apparent moments of stillness.
The multidisciplinary artist, who has exhibited throughout Australia, Japan and Italy and regularly travels to undertake residencies, commented that he is looking forward to exhibiting in WA again after many years spent living in Sydney.
Blake said thoughts are metallic they melt in salt water brought together a few different streams within his practice.
“I’ve been working on this exhibition for the past year and am excited to share this body of work with audiences in WA as part of the 2024 Perth Festival program,” said Blake.
The public is invited to the official opening on Friday, 16 February from 6.00pm at the beautiful Goolugatup Heathcote Gallery in the City of Melville, which sits overlooking the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).
The event will see the Blake’s work showcased together with a sunset set of live music by Goolugatup Sounds and a performance by Mayma Awaida and Emilie Monty.
thoughts are metallic they melt in salt water runs from Saturday, 17 February to Sunday, 7 April 2024.
For more information visit: https://www.goolugatup.com/events/opening-tom-blake-mayma-awaida-emilie-monty-goolugatup-sounds-17
58 Duncraig Rd, Applecross, WA