On show now at the Art Bar until 29 November 2020
Originally called “POP over to my place” a fun Pop-art extravaganza that invited the viewer into quirky still-life reflections on our respective homes and lives, it all had to change when ‘rona had other plans… Instead we got bowled over by a pandemic, and suddenly our homes BECAME our lives, as Australia went into lockdown.
“2020 happened and no one was ‘popping’ anywhere!” artist Jamie Cole said.
So aptly renamed “Don’t POP Over to My Place: art in isolation” this dual exhibition by the Art Bar’s very own JAMIE COLE and local art-star KIM IRWIN, is a spunky, fun and deeply personal entree into their inner worlds.
‘Art in Isolation’ is a reflection of Jamie and Kim’s decorative interiors, thoughts and moods during the Covid-19 lock-down; that will forever change the world. What results for the viewer, is an exhibition documenting small joys in a time when COVID-19 became the wallpaper colouring everything in our lives.
Using digital paintings, mixed media, painting and reclaimed objects, “Don’t POP” is a colourful palate of joy, sadness, love and laughter that will hopefully shed some light on these uncertain times.
About the artists
Media: Acrylic on arches paper in Perspex isolation box
Jamie Cole is a full-time artist and co-owner of the Art Bar Kiama. Jamie’s love affair with art began in the mid 80’s when he gazed upon the electric & vibrant pop world of Lichtenstein and Warhol, and the submerged, saturated depths of Rothko’s canvases.
This romance continues today, but it is the influences of the social, political, and abstract work of Basquiat and Juan Davila, and his idol & soul-mate Keith Haring, that leap from his work today.
Jamie has an instantly recognizable style of acrylic & mixed media work. His beautiful vibrant works all contain his signature touch of collage. ‘Don’t POP’ explores where Jamie has been, his emotions, his surrounds and his support throughout the lockdown period. Overcoming a 6-month creative block, this exhibition celebrates his triumph over his demons.
Kim Irwin
Media: Digital drawing on matt art paper
Kim is a Kiama-local counsellor, artist and singer. Since opening her first solo exhibition here at the Art Bar in early 2018, Kim has exhibited in multiple group shows and as a guest artist with Libby Bloxham in 2019.
Her work draws on her passion for art and music as fundamental tools for emotional wellbeing, and her deep love for and connection to the people around her, her home, and the dramatic landscape of the Illawarra.
Kim lives with a chronic pain condition that can often make it difficult for her to paint, but she has found a basic digital app that allows her to paint from the ease and comfort of her armchair. Without this the majority of her more recent works would not have been possible.
Insta: @art_by_kimnoelle
fb: Art by kim noelle
