Camouflage | Related Parts

Sharne Wolff

Defined as ‘a photograph that one has taken of oneself’, the Oxford Dictionary recently awarded ‘selfie’ its 2013 Word of the Year. In Camouflage artist Cherine Fahd has a dig at the popularity of this narcissistic game by sabotaging her self-portrait. Exposing as little as possible – an eye, nose, nipple, hand or fragment of hair – Fahd’s photographs provide only a skerrick of information about the sitter who, in each case, is covered by planes or folds of solid colour. The resulting works resemble abstract paintings. Continuing a series that touches on personal fears and everyday humiliations, Fahd’s pictures provide fuel for multiple conversations.

Brisbane artist Miles Hall has been showing his work since the late 90s but has only appeared solo in Sydney on two previous occasions. Related Parts is a series of paintings comprising dual fields of solid complementary colour split by a straight horizontal edge or line. Layers of paint introduce varying levels of intensity into each colour coupling. If that all sounds a bit too familiar, Hall has added a couple of adventurous twists that bring his work into the now. His abstract compositions walk the line between painting and sculpture with the roller application of acrylic paint to lightweight EPS [expanded polystyrene] panels. Fractured outer edges highlight the sculptural effect and individual charm of each work. As an added warning – once you’ve read Hall’s quirky (but apt) captions it’s hard to escape.

Until March 1

Artereal Gallery, Rozelle

Pic: Cherine Fahd Camouflage (chroma pink/red)_2013 lambda print, edition of 5 + 2 AP, 50.8 x 76cm. Courtesy the artist and Artereal.