Sean Whelan
Outré Gallery Fitzroy
9 Aug - 1 Sept 2024
Opening Night
6–8pm on Friday, 9 Aug 2024
319 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Drinks provided by Range Life Wine & Bodriggy Brewing Co.
Sean Edward Whelan is an artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, engaging in various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital animation, to create his vibrant surrealist pieces.
Whelan's practice draws influence from cities, human histories, and distinct cultural and contemporary artistic styles, from the alternative lowbrow art scene of Melbourne (where Whelan was born) to recent explorations of Japanese Kaijyu, mythology and contemporary interpretations of European traditionalist movements.
Sean Whelan was born in Melbourne, Australia, 1981. He exhibits work in Australia, the U.S., the U.K. & Japan.
Artist's statement:
Parades can celebrate the changing of seasons, a date in a spiritual calendar, a political message, the passage of time or the end of life. They are common across all cultures as a way to share traditions, beliefs, solidarity or celebrate someone or something significant in a creative way. I’ve seen, and experienced, the feeling of taking part in many different types of parades, and sharing this feeling was a strong driver for this series. Parade! playfully explores a collection of my own reflections on life, inspired by joy, love, strength, weakness, vulnerability, frustration, conflict, and fear, and celebrate it. Personifying these emotions into hyper-colored costumed figures and creating impossible vehicles and floats feeds some of the nostalgia I feel for parades, and is cathartic in a way. I can take a step back and just enjoy the spectacle.
Read our interview with Sean for a behind the scenes look at his practice!
