The exhibition of landscapes by Clifford How in Luminous State, is one of Handmark’s most eagerly anticipated events. It is also one of the largest, necessitating a change of venue.
Among the 37 new works by Clifford, 11 of them are large scale. But it is the luminosity of Tasmania’s light that steals the show, bathing its subjects in a beautiful softness and saturation of colour as it tracks low in the sky. “Direct light through clear alpine air, or filtered light through heavy atmosphere, provides an unending and ambient form of communication to the viewer,” Clifford enthuses.
This self-taught artist treks to the most remote corners of Tasmania, sketchbook in hand. Back in the studio his celebrated “organic landscapes” emerge lush with energy and texture as he “confidently attacks the surface with speed in mark-making. No second guessing. No hesitation.” But the true magic is that his oil paintings are beyond subject matter “It is all about an illusionary experience. The unseen quality of the air, light, or cold taking the viewer on a sensory journey.”
Clifford spent two years repeatedly trekking to a favourite spot near Dove Lake seeking that perfect light. One mid-winter morning, the air heavy, it arrived. The result is his largest work, Breathless Wombat Pool, where mist covered mountains keep guard over a tannin-stained lake. “I can feel the chill in the air. I can feel my feet getting wet. Full stop – job done.”
Clifford How’s Luminous State exhibition opens at the Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre, 6pm Friday October 11. It runs until Saturday October 26. |