“My paintings depict technological weaponry and military aerospace objects that are set in whimsical and alluring patterns. My pieces pit many contradictory elements against one another: drab machinery against bold color schemes inspired from commercial and lingerie design; order versus chaos; the natural world in opposition to the man-made. Although I’m working to make the symbols of the horrific power that we possess beautiful and seductive, I’m also pointing out that such powerful symbols are a reflection of our arrogance and ignorance”

Really interesting work. Abstract and yet not. Check out Darren Hostetter’s work [here] and at his own site [here]

Art, one might think is all a bit high brow. After visiting the ‘Sydney Art’ expo, it’s nice to see that seeing some great ‘art’ is probably more accessible than it has been in the past, even if the price tags are not.

Amongst the range of interesting work present, we discovered Joel Rea, who unveiled a new work at the show. What was most striking about Joel’s work was the combination of painting skill, strong concept, almost a bit Dali if we dare to say, and the odd mix of hooded street people and corporate suite types. His work is the sort that sits in your mind, nagging away at you to try and decipher the message.

From Joel’s site:

” Born in 1983, Joel has been painting in oils since graduating with a degree in fine art from the Queensland College of Art in 2003. Living on the Gold Coast and painting along side Brett Lethbridge at the Lethbridge Gallery in Brisbane, Joel is fully committed to his creative practice to which he generously engages anyone interested with insight into his fine art paintings.

Joel successfully exhibits his paintings in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney & Melbourne with Lethbridge Gallery.

Be Joel’s friend, find him at - www.myspace.com/joelreafineartist”

See more work here.