Pop Goes the Artworld

Boaz Stark
August 2007

Australian Art is going through an exciting state of flux. Experts will tell you that the creative scene has been driven for the past ten years by male artists - in particular, angry male artists - expressing themselves through violent and painful images designed to agitate, disturb and upset the viewer. Tastes, however, are now changing. In reaction to these testosterone fuelled, aggressive images, a gentler, more refined creative expression is gaining popularity. Art is taking on a “romantic” sensibility, with a focus on portraiture and the celebration of every day objects. Images are softer, and execution techniques more restrained. More female artists are coming into prominence too. But Art is not a single entity, a tamed beast that behaves predictably and consistently. The Contemporary Art scene is the sum of all prominent artists’ output and there are those who don’t fit the mold. Gillie and Marc Schattner are a prime example. Finalists for the Archibald portraiture prize in 2006, Gillie and Marc’s work forms a bridge between the aggressive male dominated Art of the past decade and the current gentler, female-driven movement. Their subjects are a celebration of the commonplace - pets, furniture, portraits - reminiscent of the Pop movement which characterized the art scene of the 1960’s. At that time, reaction to the Vietnam War and its far reaching socio-economic and political effects played a significant factor in shaping the creative climate, with artists wanting to remind us that every day life should be appreciated. Arguably, similar forces are at play today.

Unlike Andy Warhol’s highly-refined images, however, Gillie and Marc’s work takes a raw approach in expressing images, incongruous with current trends. Working (and living) together with cohesive, symbiotic energy, Gillie and Marc are most well known for their diptyches - two images placed side-by-side to create an emotional reaction which is greater than the sum of its two separate parts. As Gillie puts it, “There is no image that hasn’t been seen - but by juxtaposing different icons together, an interesting, dynamic narrative is created in the viewers mind”. Gillie and Marc’s current work of drawings paintings and sculptures, using imagery of domestic dogs next to chairs and sofas, exemplifies the philosophy eloquently. Marc explains, “A domestic dog is a symbol of loyalty, comfort and companionship. The sofa is symbolic of modern comfort and domestic bliss. So placing iconic images of the two side by side creates an even greater sense of ease and contentment. And keeping the treatment raw stops the composite from being saccharine. We’re all disturbed by the violence in the world today. Of course, it was bound to impact on Art, but people don’t want it there anymore. They want to feel safe, content, validated. Gillie and I strive to capture the essence of those positive feelings through figurative imagery”.

For more information on Gillie and Marc Schattner, and examples of their work, visit www.gillieandmarc.com or www.richardmartinart.com.au

John Konrads on Canvas

Black Dog Institute
13 June 2007

One of the finalists for the 2006 Archibald Prize, Australia's oldest and best known art award, is a painting of Olympian swimmer John Konrads, entitled 'John and his Black Dog'. The outstanding work was a joint effort by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner (pictured right). The couple have kindly donated the painting to the Black Dog Institute in recognition of John Konrads' leading role, both as a board member of the Institute and as a community leader in breaking down the barriers around mental illness - in particular, mood disorders.

The large painting will be placed on display at the Black Dog Institute facility on the grounds of the Prince of Wales Hosptial.

'The Happiest Day of My Life' by Gillie and Marc Schattner

Published by Random House
November 2006

The Happiest Day of my Life a new childrens book by Gillie and Marc Schattner,
published by Random House. A gentle reminder to us all that life is not forever,
so enjoy every moment!

Articles
BAYSIDE BULLETIN,
Make the most of each moment, 14 November 2006

THIS IS A WAR.COM November 2006

DAILY MERCURY, Sit back, relax and check out these two books, 4 September 2006

AUSTRALIAN BOOKSELLER & PUBLISHER,
The Happiest Day of My Life, October 2006

BALLARAT COURIER The Happiest Day of My Life,
19 October 2006