Australian High Commission to hold Art exhibition
By James Kon

In a continuing celebration to mark the 20th Anniversary of Australian Diplomatic Representation here in Brunei Darussalam, the Australian High Commission will organise an art exhibition by David Kelly from Friday, October 17 to October 19. The event will take place at the High Commissioner's Residence, commencing 12 noon.

Mr David Kelly is an Australian artist who is currently residing in the Sultanate. The upcoming exhibition, themed 'Horizons,' contains artworks ranging from small, dry pastel drawings to large oil paintings, all inspired by the vast Australia's landscape and the dense jungles of Borneo. The masterpieces are up for sale.

Australian High Commissioner Mr Allaster Cox said that he was delighted to be able to support the exhibition, adding that Mr Kelly has been a visual Art teacher in Australia and South East Asia for over twenty years, including the last five in Brunei.

His work has been featured at various exhibition, private collections, publications and public forums since the late 1970's.

According to Mr Kelly, those who have experienced the deserts or agricultural areas of Australia will recognise the colour and texture of these landscapes, though not always used in a realist style.

He added that many of the painting are more of an emotional response to the subject matter than a realistic representation. However, for those people who are looking to find recognisable elements, these can also be found in the distant horizon lines and sweeping skies.

He added that the influence of Brunei and Borneo as a whole finds its way into his work by way of deep green foliage, golden light and vertical tree trunks. He also noted that working from memories and impressions, the motivation has been to catch something of the atmosphere and emotion of these places rather than simply reproducing a picture based on physical reality.

He went on to add that as he lived in the remote mining and agricultural areas of Australia for many years, the clarity of the horizon line and immense distances that are visible without any human obstruction have left lasting impressions in him. He explained that a striking aspect of those places, is the enormity of the natural environment and the relative insignificance of man.

"The same can be said of Borneo jungles, with their soaring trees and impenetrable undergrowth. Those who are fortunate to experience themselves first hand are left to contemplate their own overwhelming isolation and solitude," he said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin