Napolean Oui, a Djabugay man of the rainforest, has committed himself to an active engagement with the cultural heritage of his ancestors from across North Queensland. Napolean’s interests are particularly rooted in the research and collating of the numerous shield designs of the rainforest tribes. This research and its revelations have acted as progenitor for his contemporary art practice and characteristic visual expressions. Napolean’s bold and evocative designs incorporate elements of the diverse ecology of the rainforest as well as the cultural traditions of the people who have safeguarded its invaluable bounty for millennia.
These designs are accentuated by the use of oilstick in rich, raw and robust earth hues, producing fields possessing of an elemental eloquence and confidant corporeality. In his works, Napolean conveys a penchant for the graphic, geometric and compositionally balanced. However, an undeniable reverence for the subtle irregularity of the natural world is ever-present, granting a sense of life and immediacy to each of his designs.
Mossenson Galleries is proud to commence our 2014 program with Napolean Oui’s first solo exhibition in Western Australia.
We invite you to join us for opening drinks on Saturday 15 February 2014, 2 – 4pm.