Artist’s Statement
“The Golden Lotus Shoe” - A Solo Exhibition 1-28 February 2021
This exhibition explores the complex relationship between beauty and perfection.
History shows us people will do anything in the pursuit of 'beauty' as many of us aspire to achieve 'perfection'. But are we our own worst enemy – standing in our own way of achieving perfection? Or
Do we have a twisted view of what beauty and perfection really are?
What is beauty anyway?
What is perfection?
In a world not too far away, the humble shoe is underpinned with layers of meaning and memories. For centuries, shoes were used to shape a society's ideal of beauty and perfection.
Can a pair of three-inch shoes that encased not only feet – but thousands of years of trapped memories – be beautiful? Or are they torture? Did those wearing shoes so seemingly beautiful on the outside actually achieve perfection?
“I like my paintings to act as a catalyst for the observer to think and reflect. To act as a reminder that everyone is beautiful in their own way. We don’t have to try too hard to meet people’s or society’s expectations, or to get accepted. We should accept our own beauty as we are all unique.
"If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the person who is observing gets to decide what is beautiful.
"Beauty doesn't exist on its own but is created by us, the observer. I don’t want people to put themselves through this torture and allows others to push them into becoming something they're not. History shows us one thousand years of abuse and torture should teach us that cherish and learn from the past to make better choices.
"It’s a very personal for me exhibition for me because I know that everyone goes through living with self-doubt; we're driven to better ourselves. There is pressure from society where people often say
‘Be humble and be aware that there will always be someone better than you. You’ll never be what people want you to be.'Biography
The stylistic, expressive paintings of Australian artist Anthony Van Lam are as tranquil and magical as they are profound. Working with mixed media on canvas or on paper, Anthony paints a range of subjects and explores how lines, colours, organic shapes, flowers, animals, and surface patterns intersect in unique ways to create form.
With a background in fashion design, Anthony Van Lam has an excellent sense of composition and is able to place objects expertly in the picture plane, finding new meanings in familiar subjects by isolating them and manipulating forms in terms of scale, colour, and shadow.
Known for his bold and colourful designs in fashion, Anthony's paintings reveal his true passion for flowers; immediately eye-catching, and encouraging us to find the magical in the everyday.Influences
From a blank canvas, I create backgrounds with mixed media and then let the conversation between the canvas and myself deepen.
I visualize the artwork, and then by manipulating light and shadow, I bring my work to an entirely new level.
“Primarily a colorist, my love of colour
and light informs atmosphere in my work.”Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions- The Golden Lotus Shoe
February2021
ArtSHINE Gallery, @Darling Square Community Bank Art Space
Group Exhibition - Harmony
February 2020
Solo Exhibitions- ONISM
November 2019
ArtSHINE Gallery, Pyrmont
Solo Exhibitions- ESPY
August 2017
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
Group Show March 2017
“Eclectic”
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
August 2016
Solo Exhibition
“Observing Serendipity"
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
2016 March
“Celebrate Diversity"
Group Show & Art Competition
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
2015 September
“Art Medium"
Group Show
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
Group Exhibitions
2015 March
"Colour Spectrum"
Group Show
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
2014 November
"in the beginning"
Group Show
ArtSHINE Gallery, Chippendale
May 2013
7th Pyrmont Art Prize
May 2012
6th Pyrmont Art Prize
2011 July
Mosman Art Prize
Showing 1–30 of 126 artworks