From Bark to Neon

The From Bark to Neon exhibition which is held at the NGV in federation square is an exhibition showcasing old style aboriginal art as well as new style neon inspired artwork. The exhibition that consists of 4 main rooms rooms as well as corridors lined with intricate and colourful artwork, each telling their own story brings the spaces to life. The exhibition was one in which I had never experienced before as in the past I have usually had no interest in Aboriginal art, going into the exhibition I was looking to change that and gain some insight into the type of art. Containing new pieces as well as some older pieces the exhibition was bustling with people in every room, surprising seeing as it had been around for around 8 months prior to me visiting. The exhibition had an extremely systematic flow which was enjoyable as it really showcased the progression of the type of art that was shown as well as progression away from traditional forms into more abstract means. 

The exhibition consisted of many different methods and media and this variety was exciting to the eye. The way that the exhibition flowed from start to end, from the original applications of aboriginal art such as paint on canvas to a print on clear acrylic moving onto neon sculptures, the exhibition really expresses the meaning of its name ‘From Bark to Neon’. One thing that was exciting about the art to me was the sheer amount of colours and how it bought the walls to life showcasing intricate skill and shows the care that the artist has put into every stroke on every piece. As the exhibition became more abstract the art still showed a large amount of care and planing to what may be seen by some as careless or rushed strokes. Regardless the talent and thought that was put into every piece was truly admirable.

There was many exciting and interesting pieces that grabbed attention, ranging from painting to sculpture. The eye was being drawn to many interesting and exciting pieces however there was one that stood out to me, this piece being a photo on a piece of clear acrylic called “Sexy and Dangerous” [1] which was produced by Brook Andrew, a photo taken in 1996 by Charles Kerry and produced into this piece of art in 2005. I really enjoyed the mix of showing the aboriginal person portraying a ‘sexy and dangerous’ image in an attempt to replicate a billboard campaign. Although the subject that is being advertised is unclear it is more about portraying an image that the photographer portrayed at the time. The application method of print on clear acrylic really allows for the image to somewhat pop off the wall and show the image of the tattooed man with the spear through his nose. The graphic having no background other than some artistic colour allows for no confusion around the subject of the picture besides the man with the ‘sexy and dangerous’ tattoo across his chest. In my opinion this piece was the best one there not only because of the imagery used but as well as the application it was presented.

Although the name suggests the evolution of aboriginal art from ‘Bark to Neon’ it is evident that this is only a metaphor for the progression and direction as well as the evolution that aboriginal artwork has taken, and where it will be going in the future. With limited ‘neon’ pieces in the exhibition the neon aspect of the name was overturned by sculpture which really allowed the audience to view the progression of the art form. As well as that the use of digital media in pictures and the use of vibrant colours that transitioned away from the expected pallets of the more older aboriginal artwork were truly showing the direction that the artists are going in. Transitioning away from traditional media however still letting their aboriginal heritage and influence show through predominantly in every piece, creating an identity for each piece that is extremely clear. It truly is an amazing style of art that allows not only story telling but artist expression as well as education on the past and present people in the aboriginal community.

Upon visiting the exhibition I truly gained an understanding and appreciation for Aboriginal artwork and really enjoyed and am excited for the progression that its making. I highly recommend visiting the exhibition to anyone else who wants to further their knowledge about aboriginal art as well as anybody who already has an interest in this style of art. Not only was it an art exhibition it was also an education about the native people of the land and through this art it was a chance for them to convey their story. It is important that this art continues on for years to come to ensure the history of Aboriginal Australians is solidified.

[1] Sexy and Dangerous, Brook Andrew 2005, From Bark to Neon (NGV) Visited 1/4/19

To be considered a ‘hero of design’ would be a feat for any designer regardless of geographical location, to be considered one coming from Australia would solidify your name in design history. With a lack of notable designers coming from a land with is seen to be somewhat backwards in their contribution to design making a name for yourself and placing yourself next to design royalty would truly be amazing. Sadly this is not the case for Marc Newson, to many a name that has been taken away from many amazing and great designs only to be replaced by a brand. Marc Newson was born on the 20th of October 1963 in Sydney Australia. In 1984 he graduated from the Sydney College of Arts, specialising in Jewellery and creating sculptures. Newson has worked on many things in the design world that have been seen such as the Qantas Airbed (pictured below) [1] which went on to win the 2009 Australian International Design Award of the Year. Although Newson has many credentials he can be considered a lost hero of Australian design due to the fact that he doesn’t put his name on his designs as the companies that he designs for put their branding on it. Newson has worked for a plethora companies from ford to Louis Vuitton on a collaborative set of luggage cases (pictured below) [2] to Nike, creating collaborative designs and limited edition pieces that are well sought after and extremely rare to collectors as well as admired by the general public. 

Although in the design industry Marc Newson is a name that is well respected, outside of the industry it is a name that majority of people have never heard of although in many cases people may use his designs every single day. This is a classic case of the identity of the artist being stripped away by a major brand. Although Newson is often contracted to work for the brand and add his unique and extremely sought after flare to works for the benefit of companies often there is no reference to him, ultimately stripping away his image from every piece. Although Elements of Newson’s style such as sweeping edges is often incorporated in a lot of his designs his flare has been copied by many. 

From the streets of Sydney to travelling to the major design cities of the world such as Japan, America, England and Paris, Newson has really made a name for himself and to other designers is one of the fathers of modern design. With major brands knocking at his doorstep his flare has impacted many other designers and somewhat paved the way to push forward a new wave of innovation in the ever expanding industry. Undoubtedly creating as platform for emerging designers. Newson has created a quote which has been adapted by designers which is “I think it’s really important to design things with a kind of personality.” [3]. Newson’s personality definitely influences his design and helps create his image. Newson has found a way to incorporate his feelings and personality into the creation of products, however nobody but himself will know that. In the reading  A Geography of Power: Design History and Marginality written by Tony Fry he states that  “Australia has no major designer heroes of international standing, no outstanding design institutions.” [4] This was written in 1989 however helps reinforce that Newson’s personal stamp that he has left on design is is unnoticed which can help show that he is a ‘forgotten hero’

There is no doubt that Newson has had a massive positive impact in the design world. For someone who has worked with so many big brands from Nike to Louis Vuitton to Qantas he really has found a way to pave his way and cement his legacy. However at the same time he is a forgotten hero of design. This may not be the case when it comes to designers but for members of the general public who use his products on an everyday basis Newson could really be seen as a ‘forgotten hero’. His image being stripped away every single day without knowing by millions of users who consume his product. Newson could easily become an unforgotten hero by simply adding a touch such as a signature or a logo and that would be enough. Maybe part of Newson’s flare is that he is unknown and that his products just blend into everyday life, after all is that what successful design is all about?

1.http://marc-newson.com/qantas-a380/ Accessed 1/4/19

2. http://marc-newson.com/rolling-luggage/ Accessed 1/4/19

3. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/marc_newson_278940 Accessed 2/4/19

4.  A Geography of Power: Design History and Marginality, Tony Fry, 1989 Accessed 2/4/19