Margaret River region artist Aidan Lee Smith is preparing for the launch of his latest show, and is in a state of nervous excitement ahead of his fourth solo exhibition.
“The show is called ‘Identity’, and it’s all about exploring identity, and trying to tell stories through experimental art,” Smith told the Mail last week.
“This show I’ve taken all the photos almost exclusively myself, people I’ve met on my travels, and trying to tell their stories in a way.”
The Cowaramup-based artist said he had relished the process of “mucking around” with fabric, wool, jewels and other quirky additions to the newest works.
“There’s fabric, jewellery, traditional oil portraiture – anything really, anything I can find that staves off the boredom and keeps it fresh.
“My girlfriend gets a bit sick of me raiding her jewellery box, she’s lost a fair few earrings and other bits and pieces to this show,” he laughed.
The ex-law student turned full-time painter laughed at the notion of his “old work”, given he has only been painting for a few years.
“I think my new stuff is definitely more layered and interesting,” he said.
“I used to finish my paintings really fast, in a couple of hours and be happy with it.
“Nowadays they take me months, and sometimes people tell me they’re finished after a few hours – then I spend the next three months getting crazy with it!”
“Probably the biggest difference is that they’re more layered and complex, and I’m spending a lot more time with them,” he said.
Smith said he was deeply grateful for the support he had received from locals, both fans of his work and those who helped him put the show together.
“On the night of the launch there will be wines by Higher Plane and beer and cider thanks to the Beer Farm,” he said.
“I’ve also had so much help and amazing work from Dunja at the Frame Shed in Cowaramup, and even Bunnings in Margaret River have helped me out with this show which is just awesome.”
“The next year is going to be more caring less about what’s expected and what sells, and just working on self-exploration and trying to pump out art that means more to me.
“That’s a bit scary but hopefully it still pays the rent!”
‘Identity’ opens Friday, December 29 at the Margaret River TAFE Campus from 6pm to 10pm.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
