We Were “TORN” In Artist Love

June 16, 2017

It was a true honour to be invited to the official opening last Thursday evening at the REDSEA Gallery for their premiere solo exhibition, Torn by Roman Longginou.  This outstanding young artist was a QUT graduate, and was actually discovered through REDSEA’s 2015 Young Blood exhibition and since then his work has thoroughly captured Brisbane’s attention. When we met Roman at the event, we could tell he was such a passionate & inspirational young gentleman, and his work truly reflects his personality & determination in life.

We were so inspired by the work he has achieved, and his collection interprets contemporary Vanitas through a series of charcoal and pigment drawings. We learnt that traditionally, paintings executed in the Vanitas style challenge viewers of the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death.

His “Torn” collection critically and creatively engages in considering how the traditional notions of Vanitas may be re-contextualised and responded to. It all sounds quite complex to us, but that is the professionalism & expertise that is behind the amazing work of art.

The whole concept behind “Torn” is that the charcoal images are derived from a series of photographs that documented the shredding and ripping of business shirts. Through this cathartic process, several parts of the shirts were torn away, isolated and rearranged in a composition that emphasised both the fragility and delicacy of the material. There is a sense of static dynamism in Longginou’s collection, as pieces of fabric seem to fall, suspended in motion, yet permanently captured in the high contrast of the charcoal on paper.

Roman Longginou’s work now resides in private collections across Queensland.  Do not miss out on the opportunity to see this amazing collection at REDSEA Gallery located 27 James Street, Fortitude Valley.  This collection will be opened from 6th June to 2nd July 2017.  For further information contact Lee Steer, Managing Director (pictured below) on 07 3162 2230.

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