Michael Bell

Michael Bell brings his playful and colourful relief artworks to Sydney for an exhibition at Flinders Street Gallery, Surry Hills, from 24 September - 5 November. Bell is a much loved, award winning artist from Newcastle who draws inspiration from popular or consumer culture, staging his figures, animals and icons into local suburban landscapes. Bell offers the familiar and real word in a novel pop fashion. Clever nods to art history, vintage animation and mass culture shine with a charming sense of humour in his paintings.

Bell describes his work as “a happy slow-burn of expressionist pop”.

As with most artists the Covid lockdowns kept Michael in insolation at home, preventing him from extended daily walks, field studies and social interaction that informs so much of his work. The joy of 're-emerging' from studio lockdown is evident in this new work.

Michael Bell creates a dialogue with the viewer by (re)-introducing his local neighbourhood and cultural environments through play-full scenarios such as walking his mischievous pup, ‘Kelly’ at the local lake or dog beach, grasping the joy of takeaway ice cream cones, paddle pops and pizza, or just celebrating the excitement of being outdoors again.

The colour and brushwork in Michael Bell’s relief paintings commands its own attention. It also gives each figure or icon its own spotlight. As Bell comments, “paint is the winner here”.

Michael Bell is winner of the 2020 Kilgour Art Prize (Newcastle Art Gallery) and twice finalist of the Archibald Prize and five times finalist of the Sulman Prize (AGNSW). He has held 24 solo exhibitions and has participated in over 200 group shows. In 2007 and in 2011, Michael was awarded The Cite Internationale des Arts visual artist studio in Paris, France. Bell has designed various graphics, posters and illustrations for ABC Books, Triple J radio, Mambo and The Castanet Club. Michael Bell's work is held in important private and public collections.

MICHAEL BELL - on show at Flinders Street Gallery, 61 Flinders St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
24 September to 5 November 2022
Open: Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 6pm (or by appointment)
PH: (02) 9380 5663. flindersstreetgallery.com