The Thousands

How great is it to discover amazing work by an artist that you have never heard of before?

Showing as part of the CROSS CURRENTS show at the MCA are three paintings by German-born but Australian-based artist, Karl Wiebke, which are an incredible exploration of colour and technique.**These pieces have developed an almost sculptural element, created by numerous layers of paint applied over a number of years. The canvases were set up and regularly worked on outside the artist’s studio, subject to rain, wind or the elements so that over time, the effects of nature have helped transform the final pieces. Dust and grit becomes embedded within the body of the work creating furrows and ridges. Think small mountains of multicoloured paint stretching out to meet your gaze in a crazy tapestry of colours…

Have a look at the sides of the paintings, as they are just as amazing! The use of vibrant alternating layers of paint, exposed by the weathering of the surface, creates a vibration that emanates throughout the gallery room. There is something about these pieces that draws you towards them from a distance, their beauty intensifying as you approach – don’t miss it!