RISE, RUIN, RENEW, REPEAT by Jason Parker
The Stables, Meat Market, North Melbourne
November 2024
Hailing from New Zealand, artist Jason Parker presented his latest multi-artform exhibition in November 2024. This captivating exhibition explored the duality of human nature—our capacity for destruction and our desire to transcend it.
Vibrant and dynamic abstract paintings, where bold compositions and lively brushwork brought to life the interplay of colour, form, and texture. The exhibition extended to include oil paintings, concrete works, kinetic sculptures, short films, and an all-encompassing soundscape. Parker's work offered a sensory journey through his emotional and artistic exploration.
The unique warehouse-style space of The Stables, with its concrete floors and gable ceiling, hosted this immersive exhibition across three areas. An urban environment with concrete and rubble created a fragmented landscape that reflected both the resilience and impermanence of the cityscape. Here, Parker replaced canvas with concrete to symbolise the delicate nature of our society and the constructed environments we inhabit.
“While part of the work was intricate and delicate, the other was more fragmented and destructive. My intention was for guests to sense the fragility of life and see how beauty could be swiftly undone in moments of turmoil,” Parker explained.
In stark contrast, the second part of the exhibition showcased large oil paintings that delved into the profound depths of dance and movement. In these moments of pure expression, we transcended the limitations of our lives and forged a connection with the divine, rising above our worst tendencies to become vessels of light.
“I aimed to transport the viewer and evoke an emotional response to the best and worst that lies within us,” Parker shared.
The final night of the exhibition included a special performance featuring music by Daniel O'Toole, trumpeter Fabian Acuna, and contemporary dancers who were subjects of the work.
More images soon.