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- Entertainment
- Author:
- Nick Bond
- Posted:
- Wednesday, 20 January 2010
With the tagline ‘Celebrate Our Heroes’, acclaimed artist Ross Watson’s latest exhibition, Classic De Novo II, is a diverse collection of portraits of gay icons and role models from all walks of life — from beefy Kylie Minogue tour dancer Marco Da Silva to elfin Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears.
The collection continues the theme of Watson’s previous exhibition, Classic De Novo, placing contemporary, often instantly recognisable, figures in front of stunning recreations of classic works by the likes of Caravaggio and Vermeer. Sometimes the modern-day men interact seamlessly with the ancient works, while at other times, their modern attire (a hoodie here, a business shirt there) cheekily plays off the masterpiece behind them.
The works were all created in Watson’s Carlton North gallery, which also serves as his work studio and living space (alongside gallery director, practising osteopath and Watson’s partner of four years, Stephen Morgan). The day Southern Star visited, Watson was busily putting the final touches to the exhibition as his two hyperactive terriers yapped happily at his feet.
The paintings, while stunning in print, are truly breathtaking in their original form — remarkably vivid, with a richness and boldness of colour that easily recalls the old masters. It’s because of this that Watson, who now has a worldwide legion of rich and famous followers, takes his art on tour before it ends up in the living rooms of serious collectors like Sir Elton John.
“Of course, it’s definitely important to me that the public gets to see the originals of these works. That’s why we’ve made sure, for instance, that Melbourne and Sydney audiences can see the painting of Matthew Mitcham before it goes to the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra,” Watson told Southern Star.
While the exhibition will open in Melbourne this week as part of the Midsumma festival, in Sydney it will not be included as part of Mardi Gras, despite showing while the festival is on. Watson submitted Classic De Novo II for consideration by the New Mardi Gras board but was rejected without explanation, which he admitted had stung.
“They denied our application and they’ve not provided a credible reason. I don’t know how much I want to say about it all, other than that it was disappointing.
“What matters to me is the opinion of museums, or the National Portrait Gallery, rather than that of the current board of Mardi Gras. But with Mardi Gras having a ‘history’ theme this year, I thought an exhibition focusing on heroes like Ian Roberts and Michael Kirby would be a perfect fit,” he sighed.
The newest gay ‘hero’ featured in the exhibition is Matthew Mitcham, whose near-naked frame takes pride of place in a large, vibrant work based on a 1700 painting by Ricci.
“We approached him a while ago and for various reasons we weren’t able to find the time to meet up until relatively recently. When he arrived at the studio, he was so excited about it all, just bursting with enthusiasm.
“It’s the first painting he’s ever been involved with: he’s been photographed 100 times, but he found this really special. And he was just wonderful, throwing all sorts of different poses and giving me a lot to work with. He’s so fit and flexible, so he was really a natural model.”
So too was Da Silva, whose brief sitting gave Watson a deep insight into the dancer’s personality.
“When we met, he spoke quite candidly about the loneliness of the touring lifestyle. The loneliness and isolation of endless hotel rooms, of being away from your friends and family. I turned around to load up my camera, and when I turned back, he’d stripped off and was sitting there on the bed, all wrapped up in a doona. He was so open about his vulnerability; I felt quite lucky to be able to see that.
Standing out alongside these paintings of buff, bronzed young men is the portrait of Michael Kirby, which captures the former High Court judge deep in concentration as he helps a young student.
“The theme I was exploring [with Kirby’s painting] was one of mentoring. Given he’s become such a significant mentor to so many people — the way he inspires and guides so many — I thought it was appropriate for me to paint him.”
I suggested to Watson that the painting of Kirby seemed to represent a move away from his traditional subjects: rather than focusing on the physical beauty of heterosexual subjects like footballers Paul Licuria and Brodie Holland, he now seems more focused on conveying the inner beauty of people who’ve really contributed to gay rights. Watson insisted it wasn’t that simple.
“Both Brodie and Paul did a lot of very valuable work [for gay acceptance] just by posing for me. Michael Kirby has spoken about this — that sometimes straight people can achieve more in terms of changing attitudes about homophobia than gay people can. When Brodie got involved with Midsumma Carnival, helping Dulcie Du Jour with the dog show, it was reported in mainstream media, which sends a very powerful message.
“And it’s the same when he and Paul willingly pose for an openly gay artist — that sends the message to all of the homophobic people out there. They think, ‘Ah, Paul Licuria has been working with a gay artist, maybe that’s not so bad.’ When you’ve got sportspeople denouncing homophobia in that way, it’s an incredibly valuable thing.”
Alongside the big names featured in the exhibition are some striking portraits of unknown models, including a gorgeous young Melbourne man named Andrew who, “apart from being excruciatingly handsome, is also extremely intelligent,” said Watson.
Hold on — does that matter?
“Yes,” he said firmly. “It definitely matters. Sometimes I’ll be introduced to some gorgeous model who I’ve wanted to work with, but then you find they’ve got more than a liberal dose of attitude, which is just the biggest turn-off, or they’re completely stuck-up.
“I have to like the person as well as finding them physically attractive and interesting to be able to work with them. Otherwise, it just doesn’t work.”
info: Classic De Novo II shows at the Ross Watson Gallery, Carlton North, from January 22-February 7. info: www.rosswatson.com
Tags: Classic De Novo II, Ross Watson Gallery
