Artist In Residence: Dwayne Hutton

Say hello to Dwayne Hutton, the newest artist-in-residence at QT Melbourne. 

A local Melbourne talent, Dwayne is acclaimed for his distinctive style, infusing rhythmic strokes with vibrant colours to create a profound depth to his art. 

Having recently transformed Rooftop at QT‘s interior, Dwayne used the venue as his muse, transforming the walls into a living canvas. Letting his paintbrush dance freely, Dwayne’s hand-painted pieces take inspiration from the rhythm of QT’s DJs, the beat of a cocktail shake, and eclectic atmosphere of Rooftop at QT.

Dwayne we are loving the vibrant colour and texture you have brought to Rooftop at QT! Tell us more about the process behind the pieces you created. 

Inspired by the Mondrian grid concept of Sydney-based designer and QT collaborator Nic Graham, I embraced the wild challenge of painting my gestural abstract style directly onto Rooftop at QT’s ceilings and walls – which I absolutely loved. 

Considering the context of the space, I leaned into romantic emotions, envisioning encounters like first dates or weekends away. The result? Works that are particularly colourful and free, perfectly suited for a life less ordinary. 

How would you describe your style of artwork? 

My paintings are abstract, an expression of emotions, where colours occur and collide in an uncontrolled manner. I use oil paint and a process of working and reworking a canvas by adding and subtracting paint from the surface to achieve a sense of depth within the painting. 

In bringing forward an expression of emotion through colour and composition, the paintings engage the viewer primarily on a sensory level and consequently communicate a shared human existence. 

Could you share some useful tips on how to pick the perfect piece to take home? 

When looking to purchase a painting, especially for new collectors of original art, it’s most important to choose a piece that you like, that you’ve fallen in love with, or that has resonated with you. What’s most important is whether you’ve connected with a piece in some way, because you’ll enjoy the painting or experience that same form of connection each time you see it. 

Of course, it’s best to keep in mind practicalities such as the size of the space in which the piece will be hung. Statement pieces will suit larger walls/rooms and can create a focal point, introducing a dynamic burst of colour. Whereas smaller pieces can be perfect for an intimate space, or alongside several smaller works form your favourite artists.

Fallen in love with Dwayne’s work as much as we have? Now, you can bring home a piece of his creativity. Explore 12 rotating original artworks displayed throughout QT Melbourne until they find new homes. Prefer to view with a cocktail in hand? Book at booth front and centre on Rooftop at QT.