Award winning Australian artist, David Kelly, presents a stunning series of contemporary paintings in his first solo show in Singapore at the Australian High Commission ‘Atrium Gallery’.

Acclaimed by national critics and curators for his ‘fine aesthetic qualities, strength, power and lyrical freshness’, Kelly’s ‘Eucalypt’ series celebrates the results of natural elements on the surfaces of Australia’s iconic eucalyptus trees.

In a career spanning more than thirty years as an artist and teacher, his paintings are held in private, corporate, consular and national collections, both internationally and within Australia. His work has also featured in many award exhibitions, including the 2004 Artiade Olympics exhibition in Athens, as joint representative of Australia. Work from the series to be exhibited in Singapore was also awarded the 2008 Heysen Prize, judged by Sydney based author and critic, Susan McCulloch.

The physical qualities and broader symbolism of the ubiquitous ‘gum trees’ were appreciated with fresh clarity on his return to Australia after seven years in South-East Asia. Distinctive elemental inscriptions on the bark provide both a captivating visual story and poignant human metaphor, recognising unique individuals that stand alone, whilst also being an integral part of the broader community.

The centre-piece of this show, a seven panel suite covering more than twelve square metres, has drawn critical acclaim in recent exhibitions at South Australia’s Flinders University Art Museum and the prestigious Sala Kubo-Kutxa, San Sebastian, Spain.

These are paintings that invite the viewer to engage at an intimate level, discovering exquisite amalgamations of pattern, texture and colour. As though walking in a eucalypt forest, the initial impression of imposing, weathered forms gives way to a world of the delicate and sensitive.

Created using processes of heat, gravity, abrasion and fluid movement, these are artworks that capture the ‘Essence of Eucalypt’.

Admission is between 8:30am and 4:30pm, daily (Monday to Friday) and you will need an official form of identification to enter the premises. Guided tours can be arranged by contacting ReDot Fine Art Gallery on info@redotgallery.com or David Kelly on contact@davidkellypaintings.com.