NOW OPEN: New work from David Frazer
David Frazer and Caroline Field
Go deeper. Read thoughtful words from Caroline Field - Curator, Australian Catholic University Art Collection and esteemed arts writer.
"His work oscillates between tenderness, wit, and sombre reflection."
- Caroline Field
"My latest work portrays the hands of time—getting old, aches and pains, life’s journey with family, and the solace of nature and love in the face of fear and uncertainty."
- David Frazer
SAVE THE DATE: David Frazer - Artist Floor Talk 3pm Saturday 16 November 2024
Caroline Field
Speech Notes
Thank you for your warm welcome, Kareen. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to speak at David’s exhibition.
David Frazer's work encompasses figurative compositions that deeply explore the essence of humanity, relationships, and the tender nuances of kindness and joy in life.
His art is a vibrant celebration of existence, reflecting themes of growth, the natural order, and the intrinsic beauty of life.
Family plays a pivotal role in David’s artistic practice, serving as a cornerstone of his creative vision. His works radiate a tranquil serenity that captures the nurturing essence of meaningful connections between people.
Each print embodies personal, often whimsical traits, conveying a sense of empathy and a reassuring reminder that everything will be alright.
David’s art honours the dignity and positive dimensions of human nature, celebrating the warmth of relationships and the joy found in shared experiences.
Yet, interwoven within this tapestry of light, there exists a shadowy undercurrent that invites viewers to contemplate the deeper complexities of life.
Much of his work draws upon song lyrics that revel in complex human experiences, exploring the nuances of poetry and visual expression.
Interestingly, David initially envisioned a career as a songwriter or rock star; however, fate led him to substitute classic, heartbreaking ballads for vivid narrative illustrations.
Over the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself to the art of printmaking, where the impact of carefully chosen words resonates through his powerful prints.
This extraordinary body of work emerges from collaborations with iconic singer-songwriters Paul Kelly, Nick Cave, and Tom Waits, blending their lyrical depth with his artistic vision.
Through this fascinating medium, David thoughtfully explores themes of love, the human condition, melancholy, and the passage of time.
In this exhibition, the tree emerges as a vital motif; standing solitary or entwined with another, David likens trees to people, believing they too have personal stories to tell.
The linocut "Free" depicts a relinquished, pre-loved couch alongside a solitary tree which is replete with signs of presence and occupation, while "Fallen" captures the excruciating snap of a delicate tree against the dark foliage of a dense thicket.
The expansive etching "Time Passes Together" powerfully reflects the passage of time encased in time honoured canopy. The monumental linocut, ‘Walking for solace IV’, strikes at the heart of those seeking relief from the maddening crowd. The clouds are as heavy as the as the dense foliage below.
Far from creating pretty scenes, David favours the stark beauty of mundane rural, landscapes, allowing a strong graphic narrative to take centre stage. His imagery evokes a profound sense of nostalgia, imbuing his work with noble beauty, as seen in works like “Just Like the Old Days,” and “In the Garden.”
His work oscillates between tenderness, wit, and sombre reflection. As he states, “My latest work portrays the hands of time—getting old, aches and pains, life’s journey with family, and the solace of nature and love in the face of fear and uncertainty.”
David’s art balances gravitas with a touch of cruel humour, presenting figures that often seem slightly awkward and out of place within their natural settings, which we see in ‘My garden knows’ and ‘Take it with me’.
The larger, beautifully executed works in this exhibition are drawn from his artist’s books, utilizing various techniques including linocuts, etchings, and wood engravings.
For instance, some of his woodblock prints have been transformed into enlarged linocuts, capturing the essence of his original cuts in broader strokes while simplifying detail.
Since discovering wood engraving in 1996, David has honed his craft to become a master printmaker, renowned for his extraordinary technical skills.
His mark-making reveals a rhythmic, lucid flow of patterns and textures, orchestrating compositions that are both representational and hint at the decorative.
Yet David’s work strikes a compelling balance between strong contrasts and intricate compositional structures.
My favourite has always been, the work A kind of prayer made in 2021. It carries with it the essence of Nick Cave’s Love letter lyrics. With great purpose, David depicts the solitary figure dead-centre in the image in the style of an iconographic renaissance image. With slumped reverential shoulders he adopts an imploring and devout stature. Unnecessary detail has been stripped away. Other than some fallen branches scattered like debris, both the background and the terrain are devoid of features.
Further focus is placed on the characters condition by the device of having his back toward the viewer. Without the ability to read his face, his attitude is the only clue to his state of mind. We see an anonymous figure in earnest thought and contemplation – is it meditation or a conversation, an appeal to a belief, a faith, or simply a kind of prayer?
I encourage you all to look closely at the fine detail within each artwork and savour the joy they evoke.
These works reach out to touch the hearts of those who take the time to appreciate the brilliance of his artistry, his letters from the heart.
Caroline Field, 1/11/2024