an ekphrastic exhibition
Two Painters and a Poet
An Ekphrastic Exhibition
Two painters and a poet came together in an exhibition at Bungendore Fine Art (April 2010). Known as an ekphrastic event, two art forms cross over. In this case, well known published poet ROSS DONLON had written a piece about each of the paintings, adding a further dimension to the work of Ray's and fellow oil painter TERRY DAVYS. Buyers of paintings from this exhibition also received the poet’s unique interpretation of their chosen artwork.
The theme of the exhibition was ‘Thresholds’- subjects that are an interface between here and something beyond – doorways, entrances, pathways and steps to ... somewhere. The two artists had treated this theme in its widest sense. The poet adds another interpretation, at times witty or poignant, always insightful.
Ray and Terry are well known brushmen of Canberra while Ross Donlon is a Victorian resident – an award winner for his published work who is in demand as writer-in-residence and performance poet.
Scroll down to see some paintings from the exhibition with the accompanying poem by ROSS DONLON. The paintings have been framed with the poem being part of the mat surround.
Workers outside a Factory watercolour 340 x 250 AU$600
so long in the dark
they squint in the light
like cicadas resting
between work and flight
Dreams of Wrecked Cars watercolour 240 x 350 AU$600
In this race
the cars take off
in any direction.
Tyres are not mandatory
(even the chocked get a start)
but windscreens still glare at others
when they surge down the straight
Rain adds an element of interest
but the distance and course being existential
a result depends on arbitrary factors;
the presence of moonlight,
a gust of wind.
Their doors have flown open
to remember wings.
The Green Door watercolour 250 x 340 AU$600
Contrary from what you hear
nowadays
the evidence is clear
from the door, brown nuns
and strolling men
that when Columbus sailed the ocean blue
folks were bigger then.
Talking in Dublin watercolour 350 x 240 AU$500
It had been raining for moonths
blinding the windows
In some cities
that would suffocate talk
The Dragon at the Library watercolour 350 x 240 AU$550
Autumn afternoon
in the library forecourt.
Tired of learning,
students orbit around a saint
killing a myth.
