Opus Art

Observations of Nature

(16 Oct 2006 - 12 Nov 2007)

Opus is presenting an exciting group exhibition that explores the theme of nature.

Mauricio Ortiz's paintings depict single objects floating on the canvas like stars in space. Attention to detail creates Ortiz's hyper-real art, who can name amongst his fans celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich.

Abigail Fallis studied silversmithing and metalwork, and creates delicate fish sculptures by casting their skeletal remains in silver, bronze and gold. Concerned with the declining numbers of the fish species, Fallis has forged an active relationship with Greenpeace. She also has a close relationship with Damien Hirst.

Henrik Simonsen has exhibited internationally, including in London, New York and Venice. Working predominantly in charcoal and oil paint, Simonsen's Scandanavian background is a significant influence on his work; evident in his economy of colour and use of space, light and dominance of nature as subject matter.

Stephen Johnson's work appears at first as a playful celebration of domestic ornament and kitsch. Yet beyond the 'nice' and 'pretty', Johnson's work uses objects void of physical use-value to consider our need for emotional function through the inanimate objects that we consume.

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