THE SCENT OF PAINTING @ MICHAEL REID GALLERY ELIZABETH BAY

Magnolia-Scarf-perfume

 Cross media collaborations across states and countries are not that common and it is great to  find an instance where it works and in this case on many different levels and senses.

THE SCENT OF PAINTING brings together the artist Alesandro Ljubicic, the Sydney-based florist, Mr Cook; the Brisbane-based perfumer, Damask Perfumery, and the bespoke scarf manufacturer Kmossed, from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Alesandro Ljubicic uses his oils sculpturally, the scale and texture draws the viewer in wanting to approach and touch. When this is combined with the floating sensuality of the scarves, the perfume plus the comprehensively creative floral arrangements, beauty pervades.
There are still life floral paintings on stretched linen and gestural colour studies on birch boards. The exhibition features some 25 works on linen and 30 colour studies.

Ljubicic draws inspiration from a diverse selection of florists both nationally and internationally. For this exhibition, he has collaborated closely with floral designer Sean Cook.

A Magnolia theme was selected as it offered a wide colour palette. Ljubicic has placed his own interpretation on the floral arrangements, including rearranging the placement before applying his sumptuous paint. Often on a white background which makes the colour even more vibrant, but occasionally very dark blue backgrounds subdue the tone.

To complement this new body of work, Ljubicic, for the first time, has also created a unique magnolia infused scent and limited edition, hand-made scarves printed with his artwork. The scent from Damask Perfumery had several different versions before the final one was selected.

Alesandro Ljubicic summed up, “In essence I am creating a multi-layered experience that provokes all the senses. This new body of work moves beyond the canvas to explore new creative forms that the audience can interact with in an intimate way.”

The viewer may wish that one could walk through the gallery in a mist of Magnolia scent draped in the limited edition scarves.
This exhibition features truly beautiful, accessible and sensual art and made for a very memorable experience.

THE SCENT OF PAINTING is on exhibition between the hours of 11 and 5 Wednesdays to Saturdays at the Michael Reid Gallery, 44 Roslyn Gardens, Elizabeth Bay until the 27th February.