Paris and Noosa inspire upcoming exhibition

The charming streets of Paris and the natural beauty of Noosa collide at Noosa Regional Gallery during May and June.

Paris-Noosa: Art, Environment & Realism brings together 23 meticulously detailed contemporary realist paintings created with pen and watercolour by Noosa Heads artist, Phil Rolton.

This technically impressive series of works juxtaposes two of Rolton’s enduring passions – his commitment to Noosa’s natural environment and his love for the urban street life of Paris.

“The concept for this collection of paintings is to explore a realistic interpretation of the diversity and contrast of cultures and environments between two of the world’s iconic tourist destinations, Paris, France and Noosa, Australia,” says Mr Rolton.

“Both these environments hold special places in my heart – Paris as a ‘home away from home’ and Noosa which has recently become my new home. My aim, with this exhibition, is to juxtapose these two unique settings and highlight their distinctive characteristics and individual identities.”

Whilst living in Montmartre, Paris, for a number of months, Mr Rolton and his wife, Robyn, relished the opportunity to meander through Parisian streets and soak in the everyday activities of their neighbourhood. Mr Rolton would make sketches as groundwork for his paintings, often inspired by his wife’s photographs of the same streetscapes.

Similarly, after relocating to Noosa, opportunities to walk and experience natural environments such as mangrove habitats, Weyba Creek and the ancient cliff faces of Noosa National Park, provided equal inspiration.

Noosa Regional Gallery Director, Michael Brennan believes visitors to the exhibition will be enthralled by Mr Rolton’s mastery of his medium.

“Phil Rolton has presented us with an extremely compelling collection of paintings. The technical proficiency that he is able to demonstrate is not often encountered. The realistic nature of the work captures our attention and tricks the eye. Many visitors will initially think they are looking at photographs. Once the ruse is realised however, the viewer is left to get lost in a universe of abstract detail and exquisite mark making.”

The exhibition will open at 6pm, Friday May 11, with Hamish Sawyer, Curator, Caloundra Regional Gallery attending as a Guest Speaker.

The exhibition runs until June 17, 2018.

Entry to the Gallery is free.

For details about upcoming workshops and artist talks, visit the Gallery’s website.

9 May 2018