Art News

It's All Greek To Me

Former Sydney artist Jon Liddell is exploring the female form, fantasy and Greek mythology in an interesting new exhibition, Furioso, which is now on show at the Kolinda Gallery in Alstonville.

Blending influences from the pre-Raphaelite days with his love of visual effects films and movie posters, Jon has developed a technique that blends fantasy and reality into one unique image.

Using local women as models, Jon's latest series explores varying themes. In some he has recreated Greek mythology for the 21st century, reinterpreting the stories of Greek gods with a futuristic, pop culture feel, while in others, he has drawn on his own vision for that particular model.

"At the moment I'm focusing on mythology, although I'm starting to explore fantasy and horror more," Jon said. "When I lived in Sydney I photographed women from the alternative and goth scenes, but since moving to the Northern Rivers I've discovered the spirit of the women up here is a bit more magical and wild - not as dark as Sydney, but just as beautiful. As time goes on, my shoots are getting more elaborate, more 'burlesque' and harder to do. I've recently started working with a young clothing designer Colby Radcliffe - she made the toreador costume featured in one of the latest pictures, and she and I will be working together a lot in the future. Ultimately I'd love to work with other local artisans and craftspeople for things like masks, props and set construction."

Furioso is on show until October 22. The Kolinda Gallery is located on the highway as you drive into Alstonville.