JOSHUA BONSON - SKIN: MY TOTEM
JOSHUA BONSON
SKIN: MY TOTEM , 2023
126 x 96 cm
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas
REGION
Torres Strait Islands/Darwin, NT
PROVENANCE
STORY
Skin Koedal, alludes to my people and totem, The Saltwater Crocodile and Saltwater People.Camouflage, Culture and Texture intertwin creating a patterned network of interconnecting scales. Bold directional and expressive markings, build the richly textured painting, playing with a precision of curves and sophistication recreating the armoured skin of the reptile. Built-up serrations of paint applied by hand work on different levels; it can be read as a close up of the reptile's skin, as a landscape both seen from a distance and close-up details of rocks and sand.Painting allows me the freedom to explore an idea, an impulse, providing a constant source of wonder, each with its own unique pattern inspired through passion and emotion emerging from my Heritage.I become part of these vigorous abstractions on my personal journey of discovery, motivated to create great art with visual appeal and aesthetic power and its capacity to communicate, share and create a response in the viewer. Skin Koedal, a work that is Contemporary in appearance yet embodies age-old Indigenous traditions.I am a man of the Saltwater; a Crocodile; Proud of my Heritage. Joshua Bonson
ARTIST PROFILE
