History Repeating
Saint Cloche Gallery @ Sydney Contemporary 2023
Future . Hall D . Sydney Contemporary
Carriageworks . 07.09.2023 – 10.09.2023
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This September, Saint Cloche Gallery Paddington is delighted to return to Sydney Contemporary 2023, Carriageworks with a solo presentation of contemporary multi-disciplinary artist, Saxon JJ Quinn, who continues his exploration of sensory, mixed-medium abstract paintings and sculpture.
Quinn’s study of materiality and juxtaposition of form and texture are revived through History Repeating in tandem with his signature mark-making, brimming with mind-full intent and purpose that he is renowned for.
“I’m excited for everyone to see this latest body of work as it’s yet another leap towards the signature style of works I’ve been creating. I love allowing imperfections to take their stand and become an entire layer of detail.”
– Saxon Quinn
In presenting ‘History Repeating’, Quinn will explore the themes of his evolution as an artist and is nostalgically looking back to be able to look forward.
The tight-knit body of work continues the organic progression and builds further with reference to the artist’s earlier scribbles, motifs and marks contained in sketch pads from his childhood and have been kept and treasured by his mother.These records include everything from monsters, kisses, hands, kites, pirates, and cowboys.
Watch ‘History Repeating’
Film by Jake McCann
“Whilst I have gone back to the ‘drawing book’ – referencing scrap books my artist mother had kept from childhood, I continue to include symbols that represent insecurities, a longing to fit in and how impressionable we all can be as we are navigating our way through life.
I primarily use canvas, graphite, and paint, layering hues, symbols, and textures to create works that sway from the intentional to the unrestrained, the minimalist to the uninhibited. Each piece bears meaningful motifs alongside elements of mischievous humour, with each mark representing an aspect of my life. These marks are arranged precisely to induce a sensory effect, where a calming constellation can be found in a world of perceived chaos.”
– Saxon Quinn
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Saxon JJ Quinn (b.1986, Allendale, VIC) is a self-taught mixed media artist intrigued by the rough, the worn and the resilient. Born in country Victoria, Saxon spent his childhood surrounded by creativity. His artist mother tied a basket to the ceiling of her studio where, as a baby, he would swing while she worked. As he grew older, he began sketching, painting, and experimenting with clay, at times accidentally defacing her works in the process.
After studying Communication Design and building his career in Melbourne, Quinn moved to New York City, immersing himself in the city and its urban patina. The beauty he found in the aged and weathered elements were cemented as the foundation of his creative work, and painting became the outlet.
Now, from his home in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Quinn primarily uses canvas, graphite, and paint, layering hues, symbols, and textures to create works that sway from the intentional to the unrestrained, the minimalist to the uninhibited. Each piece bears meaningful motifs alongside elements of mischievous humour, with each mark representing an aspect of his life. These marks are arranged precisely to induce a sensory effect, where a calming constellation can be found in a world of perceived chaos.
