JOSHUA BONSON - SKIN: OCEAN CURRENTS
JOSHUA BONSON
SKIN: OCEAN CURRENTS, 2023
120 x 100 cm
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Canvas
REGION
Torres Strait Islands/Darwin, NT
PROVENANCE
STORY
This immaculate work titled Skin reveals its brilliance; a network of interconnected scales of various types and sizes creating the horned section on the back of the salt water crocodile. Skin demonstrates pride, presence and power. The Salt water crocodile reigns supreme and creating designs of its skin is an adventure in itself, a thrilling exploration of new ways- through colours, treatments and innovations to excite the imagination. The trace of the brush, hands and palette knife is clearly visible; dragging and scooping thick layers of paint to create sculptural surfaces. I delight in creating works on canvas; exceptional paintings, developing cutting -edge techniques complimented by vivid colours conveying my intense response to the beauty of my totem and seeking out age-old traditions.The thick serrations of paint creating movement and texture portray the landscape and oceans that are the Arafura Sea. The glittering water reflects the sunsetting and the oceans currents and tides.The armoured skin of the salt water crocodile, my totem can be seen and felt throughout the completed work. Visually powerful, majestic, magnificent and utterly incomparable is The Saltwater Crocodile, my totem. Everything is connected, the land, the water and us. Like the Crocodile we are saltwater people with an ancient lineage.Become part of the work... Run your fingers across the surface. Joshua Bonson
ARTIST PROFILE
