Table of Contents
Art Minute
Evidence of the Hand
| Title: | Stewart MacFarlane - Evidence of the Hand |
| Duration: | 11:37 |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont & Stewart MacFarlane |
| Cameras: | BMPCC, Sony NEX5s (lens whacking) |
| Title: | Stewart MacFarlane - Persistence. Drawings 1969-2015 |
| Duration: | 10:07 |
| Year: | 2015 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont |
| Cameras: | Lumix GH4 |
About Stewart MacFarlane
Early Life and Background
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, in November 1953, Stewart MacFarlane was encouraged in his artistic pursuits during his school years by South Australian artist David Dridan. At the age of 16, he enrolled at the South Australian School of Art, where he was influenced by Adelaide artist David Dallwitz.
Artistic Development and Education
In 1975, at the age of 21, MacFarlane traveled to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting in 1977. During this period, he worked as a studio assistant for prominent artists such as Janet Fish, Alex Katz, and Chuck Close. He also received residencies and fellowships at institutions including the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and the MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire.
Major Works and Exhibitions
MacFarlane has held over 50 solo exhibitions across Australia, Asia, the USA, and Germany. Notable exhibitions include "Australian Gothic" at Linton and Kay Gallery in Perth (2023) and "The Non Conformist" at Fletcher Arts in Melbourne (2022). His works are included in major collections such as the Australian National Gallery, Canberra; the Art Gallery of Western Australia; and the Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane.
Style and Technique
MacFarlane's paintings are characterised by a pared-down realism with expressionistic touches, combined with surreal lighting and perspectives. He often places figures, both male and female, in situations that evoke erotic enigma and psychological tension. His use of bold colours and dramatic compositions reflects his interest in the complexities of human relationships and the narratives of everyday life.
Legacy and Influence
Throughout his career, MacFarlane has been recognised for his contributions to contemporary Australian art. His works are held in numerous public and private collections, and he has been the subject of several publications, including the monograph "Stewart MacFarlane: Riddles of Life" by Veronique Helmridge-Marsillian, published in 1996. His exploration of human experience through a unique blend of realism and surrealism continues to influence and inspire both audiences and fellow artists.
