In the world of art, it's not uncommon to find artists who share a similar vision or style. But what happens when two artists, separated by decades, create works that are strikingly similar? This is the case with Australian artists John Brack and Noel McKenna, whose works are currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in an exhibition titled 'John Brack x Noel McKenna: A Face in the Mirror'.
What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is the way it brings together two artists who, despite practicing almost 50 years apart, have striking similarities in their work. Both Brack and McKenna are masters of observation, cataloguing their own experiences in the world and depicting themselves as onlookers. In my opinion, this exhibition is a testament to the power of observation and the way it can transcend time and space.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way both artists use quiet details to engage the viewer. McKenna, in particular, is known for his ability to capture the sublime in the ordinary. As he puts it, 'it is ordinary to love the sublime, but sublime to love the ordinary'. This sentiment is echoed by Brack, whose iconic social realism has transformed how we think about our history. From my perspective, this exhibition is a celebration of the way art can capture the essence of a moment or a place, and the way it can connect us to our past and present.
What many people don't realize is that both artists share a similar approach to their work. They are both introverts who observe the world around them with a quiet intensity. McKenna, for example, walks cities with a camera, photographing animals, buildings, doors, and the things people step over. He then uses these photographs as references for his paintings, creating a world that is both familiar and slightly out of kilter. This approach is reminiscent of Brack's own work, which often features cameos of the artist in shop windows or mirrors, caught in a moment of quiet observation.
In my opinion, the exhibition is a reminder of the way art can be a reflection of our own experiences and observations. It encourages us to pay attention to the quiet details that might otherwise go unnoticed, and to find joy in the everyday world around us. As McKenna says, 'You can see joy in your own everyday world'. This sentiment is a powerful reminder of the way art can connect us to our own lives and experiences, and the way it can transcend time and space.
One thing that raises a deeper question is the way both artists use their work to explore the human condition. McKenna's 'SELF' is a chronological graph of his own emotional life, charted largely by the arrival and departure of dogs, loved ones, and life turning points. This work is a true representation of the emotional rollercoaster, and it is surprisingly emotional. As McKenna puts it, 'There's been highs and lows in between then and now'. This sentiment is a powerful reminder of the way art can be a reflection of our own experiences and emotions, and the way it can connect us to others.
In conclusion, the exhibition 'John Brack x Noel McKenna: A Face in the Mirror' is a celebration of the power of observation and the way it can transcend time and space. It is a reminder of the way art can be a reflection of our own experiences and emotions, and the way it can connect us to our past and present. As I reflect on the exhibition, I am struck by the way it encourages us to find joy in the everyday world around us, and to pay attention to the quiet details that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is a powerful reminder of the way art can enrich our lives and connect us to others.
