Table of Contents
Art Minute
| Title: | Argy Bargy: Dean Bowen |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 60:00 |
| Year: | 2019 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Richard Tedesco |
About Dean Bowen
Early Life and Background
Dean Bowen was born in 1957 in Maryborough, Victoria. His early education at Maryborough Technical College included studies in sculpture, ceramics, photography, and printmaking, where he was influenced by inspirational teachers and mentors who encouraged his artistic pursuits.
Artistic Development and Education
Bowen furthered his studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, earning a Diploma of Fine Art in Printmaking in 1976. He continued his education at Monash University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Printmaking in 1993 and a Ph.D. in 1999, focusing on extending printmaking techniques. His time in Paris in 1993, working at Atelier Franck Bordas, was pivotal, inspiring him to explore sculpture alongside his printmaking and painting practices.
Major Works and Exhibitions
Bowen has held over seventy solo exhibitions across Australia, France, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Notable exhibitions include "Argy Bargy: The Art of Dean Bowen" at Benalla Art Gallery, showcasing works from 1993 to 2009. His public sculptures, such as "Lady with Flowers" (2017) at Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park in Victoria, demonstrate his ability to translate his playful aesthetic into large-scale works.
Technique and Style
Bowen's art is distinguished by a naive style that employs humour and gentle irony. His paintings, often featuring birds, animals, and urban scenes, use flattened perspectives and vibrant colours. In sculpture, he works with bronze, creating whimsical figures that capture the essence of his two-dimensional works. His printmaking includes lithographs and etchings, showcasing his technical skill and creative versatility.
Legacy and Influence
Bowen's work is held in numerous prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and international institutions such as the Fukuoka Museum of Art in Japan and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. His contributions to contemporary art have been recognised through various awards, including prizes at the Osaka Print Triennale and the Sapporo International Print Biennial in Japan.
Recent Activities
In 2023, Bowen's survey exhibition "Australia: Land, Sea, Birds and Creatures" toured Japan, featuring at the Tokushima Art Museum and The Museum of Modern Art in Gunma. His continued exploration of themes related to nature and urban life ensures his work remains relevant and engaging to contemporary audiences.
References
- Dean Bowen Official Website
- Artist Profile - Dean Bowen
- Ocula - Dean Bowen
- Arthouse Gallery - Dean Bowen
- The McCorry Collection - Dean Bowen Biography
