Media Release: Sedition and Terrorism Troubles Artist in Latest Exhibition at Keith+Lottie Gallery, “Sedition + Other Bedtime Stories”

MEDIA RELEASE

Sedition and Terrorism Troubles Artist in Latest Exhibition

Perth visual artist Carl Gopalkrishnan’s new exhibition “Sedition and Other Bedtime Stories” opens at Keith and Lottie’s shop-gallery in Northbridge on Wednesday August 6 2006 at 6pm. The artist’s new work includes a series of drawings and painting based on the idea of a child waking up in our post-September 11 world. In particular his work is critical of Schedule 7 of the 2005 anti-terrorism bill which, he says, manipulates the law to the disadvantage of our democratic rights.

The confronting and surreal images are influenced by street art, graphic novels,18th century French and classical Indian deities, medical illustrations and symbols from quantum mathematics. The symbolic exploration of modern political life is rendered in sepia and monochrome ink drawings and acrylic on canvas.  

The exhibition marks a return to exhibiting for the 39-year-old artist who has been focused on his work in anti-racism research and community development projects for the last ten years, while selling mainly from his studios in Sydney and Melbourne. Now Perth-based, Carl decided that he wanted to express his caution on Australia’s changing political and cultural climate through his art. The Keith and Lottie store/gallery, a mecca for Perth’s emerging street art and avant garde art scene, welcomed the artist’s unusual visual style and political commentary.

Born in 1967 in the United Kingdom, Carl moved to Australia with his family in 1974. He studied graphic design at Central TAFE and has a BA Hons (First Class) in History and Sociology from Murdoch University. In 2000 he started a PhD at Melbourne University which he later left to focus on his art. He has exhibited in Australia since 1991 and considers himself a self-taught painter. He is influenced by Naïve and Outsider art movements, as well as the modern graphic novel and street art. After working as an editor and project manager, Carl worked in anti-racism research in the gay community in Perth and Melbourne. While pursing his artistic career, he is currently working developing educational products for the community.

For more information about the exhibition please contact:

Keith and Lottie

[address]