Ross Watson celebrates our heroes

Ross Watson celebrates our heroes

With the tagline ‘Celebrate Our Heroes’, acclaimed artist Ross Watson’s latest exhibition, Classic De Novo II, is a diverse collection of portraits of gay icons and role models from all walks of life — from beefy Kylie Minogue tour dancer Marco Da Silva to elfin Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears.

The collection continues the theme of Watson’s previous exhibition, Classic De Novo, placing contemporary, often instantly recognisable, figures in front of stunning recreations of classic works by the likes of Caravaggio and Vermeer.

The works were all created in Watson’s Carlton North gallery, which also serves as his work studio and living space (alongside gallery director, practising osteopath and Watson’s partner of four years, Stephen Morgan). The day Sydney Star Observer visited, Watson was busily putting the final touches to the exhibition as his two hyperactive terriers yapped happily at his feet.

“It’s definitely important to me that the public get to see the originals of these works. That’s why we’ve made sure, for instance, that Melbourne and Sydney audiences can see the painting of Matthew Mitcham before it goes to the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra,” Watson told SSO.

While the exhibition ran in Melbourne as part of the Midsumma festival, in Sydney it will not be included as part of Mardi Gras, despite showing while the festival is on. Watson submitted Classic De Novo II for consideration by the New Mardi Gras board but was rejected without explanation, which he admitted had stung.

“They denied our application and they’ve not provided a credible reason. I don’t know how much I want to say about it all, other than that it was disappointing.”

The newest gay ‘hero’ featured in the exhibition is Matthew Mitcham, whose near-naked frame takes pride of place in a large, vibrant work based on a 1700 painting by Ricci.

“We approached him a while ago and for various reasons we weren’t able to find the time to meet up until relatively recently. When he arrived at the studio, he was so excited about it all, just bursting with enthusiasm.

“It’s the first painting he’s ever been involved with: he’s been photographed 100 times, but he found this really special. And he was just wonderful, throwing all sorts of different poses and giving me a lot to work with. He’s so fit and flexible, so he was really a natural model.”

So too was Da Silva, whose brief sitting gave Watson a deep insight into the dancer’s personality.

“When we met, he spoke quite candidly about the loneliness of the touring lifestyle. The loneliness and isolation of endless hotel rooms, of being away from your friends and family. I turned around to load up my camera, and when I turned back, he’d stripped off and was sitting there on the bed, all wrapped up in a doona. He was so open about his vulnerability; I felt quite lucky to be able to see that.”

Standing out alongside these paintings of buff, bronzed young men is the portrait of Michael Kirby, which captures the former High Court judge deep in concentration as he helps a young student.

Alongside the big names featured in the exhibition are some striking portraits of unknown models, including a gorgeous young Melbourne man named Andrew who, “apart from being excruciatingly handsome, is also extremely intelligent,” said Watson.
info: Classic De Novo II shows at the Depot Gallery, Waterloo, from February 23-March 6. info: www.rosswatson.com

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One response to “Ross Watson celebrates our heroes”

  1. Dear SSO
    I read with interest your article on Ross Watson and he being excluded from the 2010 NMG Festival. I am astounded that NMG rejected his exhibition considering Ross has been a longtime supporter of both the old and new mardigras. Ross says that NMG rejected is application without explanation. Has Ross said this because NMG have confidentiality agreements with applicants (to act as a gag) so as they can cannot be held publically accountable for idiotic and insane decisions such as this? If this is so NMG should explain there decision publicly.

    It is insulting to a remarkable and uniquely Australian artist such as Ross for NMG not to recognise is contribution to our community. It is doubling insulting as well because Ross who is a uniqueand internationality artist.
    I cannot see any obvious problem that an exhibition such as Classic De Novo 2 would have for NMG as it sits perfectly with the 2010 theme of “History of the World”. As the artist finances his own exhibition, organises his own gallery as well as his own promotion, what could possibly be the unexplained reason for excluding him?
    Having looked at the visual arts content of this years festival I can see that the talents of an artist like Ross will be missed as part of the 2010 program. Could there be something of the tall poppy syndrome at work here?
    Sham NMG, and sham again! You need to make yourselves accountable to the community for these decisions. An apology to Ross would be a good start.

    Patrick Watson ( No relation) 0411329715