If I were to sum up Artist Caspar Fairhall in one word I would choose serene. His modest demeanour is part of his charm, having undertaken residencies in Switzerland and China, solo exhibitions Australia wide and the recipient of multiple awards for his painting, works on paper,
videos, and installations.
Fairhall is very easy to talk to and always open to a discussion regards the evolution of his practice. He listens intently embracing the opinions and points of views of others as he explains childhood events, traditions and observations that have led him to his current artistic path. Fairhall’s easy going nature and tranquil temperament is in part influenced by his Chinese background and his fondness of the ancient Chinese text the Dao de Jin. Fairhall has been drawn to the text for many years but in recent years found a closer resonance with its content in his day-to-day life, increasingly forming part of his creative process.
The term “Dao de Jing” loosely translates to “the way forward” and speaks to philosophies for living a good and satisfying life. The text looks to nature, letting life take its natural course without coercion or interference. The teachings consider the union of opposites and the paradoxes which naturally occur and successfully coexist. These philosophies and observations translate to Fairhall’s practice as he looks to science to further explore and explain naturally existing contradictions and paradoxes as subjects for his artistic practice. Through this work Fairhall explores the idea of non-coercion, surrender, collaboration between humans and nature and the contemplation of space and time.
The intuitive force which runs through Caspar Fairhall’s work is captivating. Fairhall’s work at first pass seems calculated with his use of precise and sharp lines however, as one further connects with his work the artist’s deep contemplation becomes evident. Fairhall dwells on ideas including the “feeling” of space and time forming an integral part of his practice.
Fairhall’s inquiry into these feelings of space and time on the picture plane employs techniques to dissolve traditional ideas of where forms and shapes dwell on the plane. Does a circle inhabit the top of the plane? Is it behind the subject or does it travel through the subject. This calls into question the dimensionality of the work and the world in which it dwells.
Fairhall’s artwork’s form part of the collection of many notable institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, Artbank, The Art Gallery of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Perth. He has also bee he recipient of several awards including The Cossack Art Award, 2012 and The Invited Artist Award, 2013.
Join us in conversation on Saturday 31st August, 2024,3pm, at Loam, Claremont as part of his Retrospective on show until 30th September, 2024.
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