Reflection

Solo Exhibition

“The first thing that hits you when you look at Shannon’s new work is a sense of recognition – a sense of truth. This is largely due to Doyle’s mastery of paint media and the genre of realism.

The failure of some ‘realist painters’ is that they just represent things as they are. 

Shannon’s ambition lies far beyond realism and the flexing of art skills. He asks more of himself and more of us – the audience. Doyle’s new work presses us with questions – makes us reflect.

Art must do two things:

Firstly, it must be novel. Meaning, it must seem new, give excitement and present us with something that seems fresh to our senses.

The second thing it must do is, it must seem true. It needs to connect with us and give us the feeling that this ‘thing’ on front of us makes sense. It must touches something in us and – speak to our memories. Provide a feeling of acknowledgment or understanding – even if that is intangible. Here art becomes experience.

The subject in each of the paintings exists in its own solitary environment – imbuing a sense of calm and serenity, heavy with symbolism. To me, they evoke memory and loss, bloodlines and family, mourning and joy, heirlooms and legacy, tragedy and new hope. But what is it that you recognise – what is it that thrills you, provides you with a sense of truth?

As Jerry Saltz, the much acclaimed American critic says – don’t ask what the art is about. Ask – what does it do to you.

Shannon has done his work and made his reflections – now it’s time for the audience to make theirs.”

– Nic Plowman – life long friend and fellow mark maker.

Exhibition Details

Officially opened by Susi Muddiman OAM, Art Gallery Director, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre.

Opening Date: Saturday 18th March 2023, 4-6pm
Exhibition run until end of April, 2023

Venue: Studio 87, 87 Ridgeway Avenue, Southport