Table of Contents
Art Minute
Spirits of Time and Place
| Title: | Spirits of Time and Place |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 22:00 |
| Year: | 2017 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Moby |
| Cameras: | Sony F3, BMPCC OG, DJI Phantom 3 |
About Geoffrey Ricardo
Early Life and Background
Geoffrey Ricardo was born in Melbourne in 1964. Growing up in a city with a thriving arts scene, he developed an early interest in storytelling and visual expression, which would later become hallmarks of his artistic practice.
Artistic Development and Education
Ricardo studied Fine Art at the Chisholm Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1986 with a focus on printmaking. He went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master of Fine Art at Monash University, further refining his skills in etching and sculpture. During this time, he worked as a print assistant at Bill Young Studios and later as a sessional lecturer at institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts and RMIT. These experiences provided him with technical expertise and an appreciation for collaboration and education in art.
Major Works and Exhibitions
Ricardo has created an impressive body of work since the 1990s, with notable solo exhibitions like A Dark City Narrative (1999) and Herd (2007). His works frequently appear in Australian galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia. Sculptural installations such as The Messenger and series like The Narratives highlight his ability to convey layered, often whimsical, explorations of the human condition. His participation in the Lorne Sculpture Exhibition, where he won the Grand Prize in 2009, and his contributions to printmaking festivals further cement his reputation.
Technique and Style
Ricardo’s practice spans multiple mediums, including etching, aquatint, lithography, and bronze sculpture. His prints often feature surreal, anthropomorphic figures that serve as allegories for human behaviour, blending humour and melancholy. Ricardo employs traditional printmaking techniques like intaglio, using scrapers and burnishers to create rich textures. His sculptures, similarly narrative-driven, reflect a seamless integration of surrealist and expressionist aesthetics.
Legacy and Influence
Ricardo is regarded as a key figure in Australian contemporary art, particularly in the fields of printmaking and narrative sculpture. His works, housed in major collections such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Victoria, continue to inspire discussions on the interplay between absurdity, tragedy, and the human experience. As an educator, Ricardo has influenced a generation of artists, sharing his technical expertise and philosophical approach to art.
References
- "About Geoffrey Ricardo." The Art of Geoffrey Ricardo. geoffreyricardo.com
- "Geoffrey Ricardo." Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org
- "Geoffrey Ricardo Biography." Design and Art Australia Online. daao.org.au
