Oil on Linen
95cm (H) x 79cm (W) Framed
Making a major regional move inevitably causes a serious revision of what was. A new studio offers a fresh look, 10 years is a good long look. I saw opportunity to reinvent this painting (from the Launceston Cataract series) and clarify what started in 2015. I reconsider the construction of the composition which included turning the original painting up side down. A feature of the Launceston Cataract in which flows the Tamar River , is the direct connection to the Bass Straight estuary resulting in a 3 meter tidal shift. 3 Meters of the Cataract rocks emerged and were masked by moving, murky water every day. As the painting evolved in its second life, I looked for ways to respect both the original nation people (this is a sacred land) and European history who chopped and chipped stakes into the hard rock to make a wooden water acquaduct (with steel brackets) and fastening rings. Ironically wiped off by a serious flood! That particular part of the Cataract had those wonderful violetish tones and that time of year, spring, gave that amazing contrast with blue sky, reflection, dark shadows and murky river water. Elements of the original structure maintained, but composition dominated the resolution, after....long looking.
Launceston (Cataract 3) of Tides, end of Spring and other Events - Frank Burgers
Frank Burgers, BA(Fine Art) 1986, As Dip Fine Art (Woodwork)1995, Post Grad (Dip. Ed) 1999. Moved to Geelong 2024 and set up a studio at 17 Labuan Square, Norlane. Previously 23 years at North East Victoria, Brighton and Wangaratta, with a 7 years studio in Benalla. Since graduation in 1986 maintained an active practical studio and exhibition program, supported by various employment. To date 21 solo feature exhibitions plus numerous mixed shows, from regional, commercial and community galleries. (Melbourne, Launceston, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Beechworth plus many others). My work is held at Albury Art Gallery, and at private collections at Wodonga Hilltop Cancer Care, Trinity Anglcan College Albury, DallZotto Wines Kings Valley, Australia, England, USA, Canada, Germany, Argentina.
Frank Burgers paints in oil on linen, frames his own work, works on paper and printmaking. Currently he is preparing a body of new work for the upcoming featuring exhibition at Beechworth Contemporary Art Space in March, in response to experiencing the ocean coast around the Geelong area to Torquay. Burgers works in both figurative and abstract manner, often on the same day. Of late he is also revising earlier work, such as the proposed painting entered here. Burgers introduced 30 years of painting to the area with 2 exhibitions at 'The Hive' Gallery, Ocean Grove, and the Greater Geelong Council and Geelong Creatives windows, central Geelong. 'The Hive' Gallery, Ocean Grove, and 'Untether Gallery' currently hold some of his work.