ART NATION: "It is Not Down in Any Map; True Places Never are" and "Exit Wounds" at Stala Contemporary
Stala Contemporary's latest offering is a stunning joint solo exhibition of two of Perth’s rising stars. Jarrad Martyn's It Is Not Down in Any Map; True Places Never Are and Richard Healy's Exit Wounds.
These artists produce complementary work. Both engage in a play on space and time, often linking the natural and the unnatural in their works, Martyn exploring the relationship of the environment and humanity while Healy layers native landscapes with images from family photo albums.
(Jarrad Martyn, Paranoia, 2019)
The works are dripping with ambiguity, and at times there is something about what you see that sits on the edge of the imagination, making them as unsettling as they are engaging. But this is not to say it is not a pleasure to see the product of these two artists, who each inspire reflection and conversation. Martyn and Healy are exceptional talents, and this exhibition is proof that they each have the ability to captivate the beholder.
Both sold well on the opening night, and had several purchases from institutions, which is a boon for them both. It is also, perhaps paradoxically for the potential purchaser, a good thing for anyone who might want to buy their work. Think of it as an affirmation of your good taste!
(Richard Healy, The Bathers, 2019)
This is an exhibition worth going to. There can be little doubt that these two have both the talent and creativity which will see them have longevity and success as long as they continue to produce work. The opening night saw a large crowd in attendance and one gets the sense that the term ‘emerging’ will soon become inadequate to describe either Martyn or Healy.
Martyn and Healy are giving a talk at Stala Contemporary this Saturday, 15 February 2020 at 2.00pm. Professor Ted Snell has also written an excellent essay exploring Jarrad's work which is available at the gallery.
