When the World Was Young
Whangarei Art Museum presents When the World Was Young, works by Northland based artist Dave Beazley.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is
most adaptable to change.”
-Charles Darwin
Enter into a parallel world, where the laws of nature are reimagined by a cast of surreal characters from a fantastical
story. Dave Beazley invites the viewer to be absorbed into a lost world of strange creatures and environments frozen in
time, where surprises are waiting to be discovered in the smallest of details.
The exhibition includes a series of oil paintings and textile sculptures of otherworldly characters. Beazley draws from
his daily observations or experiences that form the initial ideas for a work, where they are developed into a complex
narrative. “It is important to me to shape a mood and atmosphere where the audience could feel lost yet comforted and completely
absorbed by their surroundings.”
Beazley’s use of a pastel colour palette and illustrative style challenges the classical notion of oil painting, and
explores the use of traditional techniques in a contemporary context. His seemingly effortless playful motifs hide the
subtle changes of mood and emotion that the viewer encounters as they journey into the unknown. “I like the collision of an innocent colour palette with a sometimes sinister narrative.”
The exhibition is accompanied with a catalogue available for purchase, featuring an interview with the artist and a
special edition original drawing by Dave Beazley. Limited number available.
ENDS