Luke Storrier
Good Weekend 27 July, 2019
John Mcdonald
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“Some might think that to be the son of one of Australia’s most prominent painters – Tim Storrier – would be an advantage for an up-and-coming artist. Luke Storrier may see it differently.
The first problems are a burden of expectation and the need to distinguish himself from the old man. In Fine Line, his debut solo exhibition with Olsen Gallery, Luke has staked out very different territory to that inhabited by his father. He is, for starters, a lot messier and more spontaneous in the way he uses oil paint and found materials.
Some of his canvases are broadly expressionistic, and most contain items that disrupt the smoothness of the picture plane. His freestanding sculptures experiment with different approaches, mixing junk assemblage with Brancusian elegance. There’s even a bit of Christo-like wrapping.
The inspiration for this body of work was a depressing fortnight spent in drought-ridden Wilcannia, in regional NSW, making site-specific installations. Storrier felt he had to transform his experience of this barren land into something more positive. He gave himself the freedom to work in a more playful manner and found he was enjoying his time in the studio like never before.
The results are quirky and eclectic, showing signs of many different influences. The “fine line” of the show’s title could be the border between formality and randomness, with most pieces having an each-way bet.
Can I afford it?
This may be Storrier’s debut solo show but he has been making and selling work since he graduated from the National Art School in 2013, having won that year’s student sculpture award. His record price so far is $25,000, for a commissioned work made from copper. The most expensive piece in this show is the sculpture Burnt Totem (184cm x 30cm x 10cm) at $11,000. The cheapest is the abstract oil painting, Night Splat (18cm x 13cm) at $990.”
Where can I have a squiz?
Olsen Gallery, 63 Jersey Road, Woollahra, Sydney, until August 18; olsengallery.com.
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