Tom McMahon
2 July–30 July - Opening Saturday 2 July, 2 - 4pm
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
"When first viewing my art works, one quietly becomes aware of an ancient place
surrounded by symbols. In this created world, or sacred space; the viewer enters a
religious, a mystical, and a pagan sacred site. Universal in its connections; the viewer
can become an inhabitant for a short while.
The shapes and symbols have evolved as a personal and refined interpretation of the
many influences that have left their deep impression on me. My imagined shapes or
icons in the framed sacred space are surrounded by symbolic and often geometric
patterns that evolve from my early environment.
Strong images from my childhood in a small town in the W.A. wheat belt have left
their mark within me, and are a key to the door of my imagined shapes and the colours
that are now a staple in my works. I was completely surrounded as a child by the
shimmering white -gold of paddocks of wheat and barley, and the glaringly hot summer
light that produce shadows so deep that objects cannot be defined. A trip to ‘The
Pinnacles’, about 200km north of Perth as a young person left a profound mark. The
eerily shaped mounds and pillars found there are composed of compressed ancient seacreatures
and shaped by time, wind and geological earth movements to sit in a small
sandy desert. This ancient site is sacred to the local indigenous Yued people.
I’ve always had an interest in religion and have at various times been a participant. This
was natural due to a somewhat complex religious DNA running through my genes.
What affected me deeply was not the sermons or songs; but the play of light pouring in
from coloured glass windows and casting shadows on the wood, stone and icons that
left a misty patina in my mind. I studied and absorbed copious information of all major
religions and their cultural icons, symbols and expressions; to the obscure and
forgotten creeds; and of the mysterious worlds of indigenous peoples. I have come to a
realization that all religions hold the same universal values of compassion, love and
environmental respect for our earth and an idea of the afterlife and its mysteries.
My art works connect deeply with the earth we all live upon, and its cultural and
religious history. Typical of most artists, I have turned my influences around and
upside down and rearranged the remembered images, thoughts, feelings and colours in
my drawings, paintings and sculptures. My inner journey has taken me through
darkness and back to light and new meaning. No creed, religion or individual can claim
ownership of the sacred space, and I find understanding and respect in this universality.
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of my brother David.
Thanks for your love and support without question."
- Tom McMahon
A Place of Light and Shade No5., 2012
mixed media on canvas
41 x 41cm
mixed media on canvas
41 x 41cm
A Place of Light and Shade No3., 2007
oil on canvas
25 x 30cm
oil on canvas
25 x 30cm
Evening Closes In, 2014
mixed media on canvas
50.5 x 45.5 cm
mixed media on canvas
50.5 x 45.5 cm
Scorched by the Sun, 2010
oil over mixed media on canvas
51 x 40cm
oil over mixed media on canvas
51 x 40cm
The Leaning Tower of Peace, 2016
mixed media on canvas
77.5 x 52.5cm
mixed media on canvas
77.5 x 52.5cm