‘Two Blue Wharf with Three Yellow Stripes’ Acrylic, masonite and perspex on board, 150 X 150 cm
Jasper Knight’s work is composed of bright acrylic-coated assemblages of wood, fiberglass, and found objects that are fused to create raucous scenes of urban life. Sitting somewhere between painting and sculpture, Jasper’s work is a playful meditation on the foundation of modern industry. Scaffolding, machinery, and vehicles explode vividly across the surface of scavenged canvasses that are constructed with the same materials that create the subjects they depict, creating an intrinsic duality within the pieces. Jasper’s work is bold and care-free, indicative of an artist who has spent the majority of his life fascinated with this subject matter, and his latest series ‘Rock-On Roll-Off’ is no exception to his personal canon. He recently took some time off from preparing for his upcoming exhibition to chat with Metro Gallery’s own Anita Traynor.
Who are your favourite ‘inspirational artists’?
Jeffrey Smart and Howard Arkley
Your new exhibition is titled ‘Roll on Roll off” what was the motivation for this body of
work?
I was looking back over a 10 year period, and I wanted to explore the
surface more looking at other ways of experimenting with the medium in general.
I have added some new materials to the surface – road signs, boards, packing cases etc..
basically investigating more thoroughly the surfaces of ‘assemblage’
This exhibition, based on various Ports of Australia, i.e. Port Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Port Botany
explores the heavy machinery, (commonplace in my art) and offers an interpretation of these bold
heavy machines , shipping containers, cranes, boats etc. I have also added a lot more ‘reds’ which
indicate ‘danger’ signs and am curious to experiment further with the primary colours.
Any exciting News of Late?
Yes, I am currently designing the sets and costumes for Opera
Victora, it is a Commissioned Opera, to be opened in May…….Look out for some Arts related press shortly.
Likes?
At the moment spending time with Ziggy and Isabelle, family time
Dislikes?
Art world talk, whose hot whose not who cares!
Occupation if you were not an artist?
……….. Mmmm have thought about this a lot……. probably do something involved with films/mega super mogul producer/popcorn seller.
Favourite food?
Diet coke
Jasper Knight’s ‘Rock on Roll off’ opens at Metro Gallery on the 28th of March and runs until the 17th of April.
For a preview of the exhibition please visit Jasper’s artist page.
