Eclectic

Exhibition Review: Photography | Brian Rope

Eclectic | gm frew

The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | 28 May - 7 July 2024 

In this exhibition, we are asked to explore gm frew's photographic art as we go from the drama and whimsy of nature to the confusing and comedic aspects of modern life, as well as taking in the great expanse of panoramas. frew has always had a fascination for the arts, which include rock and roll, experimental music, theatre, and performing arts as well as photography.

This provocative and sometimes humorous show brings together all these different influences. It certainly is an eclectic collection of disparate digital images which showcase the photographer’s breadth of talent There are simple, straightforward photos of birds. There also are other images of birds with lightly amusing words added to them, such as “Maybe if I pretend I’m sleeping he won’t poop on my head.” That, the artist suggests, is what one bird on a lower branch directly below another on a higher branch is thinking.

And check out Dick, Duck.

Dick, Duck © gm frew

There are some classic Canberra shots, including one of the National Arboretum. Balloons – Heading South is an excellent image of hot air balloons over Lake Burley Griffin. Yes, it is like many other such shots Canberrans have all seen before posted on social media or published in the local print media. But, nevertheless, it is a fine example of such imagery.

Balloons – Heading South © gm frew

Then there are a number of very different pieces. They are not straightforward. Nor are they simple. Rather they are adventurous. They most effectively utilise the author’s imagination and certainly display his artistic skills. There is a piece titled Erehwon. Is it, I wondered, a satire like the novel Erewhon by English writer Samuel Butler, first published anonymously in 1872, set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the protagonist? Butler uses anagrams as a technique of satirizing contemporary society through inversion of conventions.

Frew confirmed for me that his artwork is named after Butler’s – albeit with a slightly different spelling. But none of that really matters. For me it is a fine work – with nicely balanced red elements including a shapely light post, flying umbrellas and a vase with tulips against a rich blue-sky background, plus a man standing at the very edge on the end of a platform suspended in the sky. We can each interpret the image in our own way.

Erehwon © gm frew

The standout work is titled “When the buddhas heard the sound of one hand clapping.” Richard Flanagan’s sweeping novel of the same title is about the barbarism of an old world left behind, about the harshness of a new country, and the destiny of those in a land beyond hope who seek to redeem themselves through love.

But there is another story that seems more relevant to this image. It is a Zen story in which 12 years old Toyo seeks personal guidance from the Master of a temple. He is asked to show the Master the sound of one hand clapping. After more than ten attempts and one year, the youngster entered true meditation and transcended all sounds. “I could collect no more,” he explained later, “so I reached the soundless sound.” Toyo had realized the sound of one hand.

This beautifully colourful image includes a Buddha and numerous other elements. It is a joy to look at and would reveal new things on every viewing.

When the buddhas heard the sound of one hand clapping © gmfrew

This exhibition is certainly worth visiting. And whilst you are at The Link you could explore the shop, Café Stepping Stone and current art exhibitions at the adjacent Strathnairn Arts and, maybe, take a walk on part of the Ginninderry Conservation Trust’s new Corridor Walking Track Network.

This review is also available on the author's blog here.