Exhibition Celebration: Looking for the Tiger by Russell Kent

Looking for the Tiger

by Russell Kent (1954 - 2019) 

Looking for the Tiger is an exhibition of selected art works over four decades by Russell Kent.

The name of the exhibition has been taken from the title of a 1998 painting he did about the demise of the Australian Thylacine. A wish fulfillment for lost worlds.

Selected works by Phillip Island born artist Russell Kent (1954 – 2019), a self-taught artist inspired by his surroundings blending high realism with surrealism. “I am living in the landscape and like it or not it is exerting its influence of me.” - Russell Kent, 1986

Exhibition Celebration 15 November, 5-7pm

Exhibition on between 15th to 26th November 2024

About the Author

Over 20 works have been selected from 1976 – 2016, paintings, drawings and a couple of cameo sculptures.

Russell was born on Phillip Island and lived most of his life in Ventnor, excepting early childhood years in Wonthaggi and five years in Perth in his early twenties. He died in Wonthaggi in December 2019.

In Perth he found his feet as an artist living in studios, disused office space in the city and in High Street, Fremantle.  He worked in proximity with other artists and developed his distinctive self-taught style. He was influenced by what surrounded him and blending a realist style with imagination and storytelling.  Sometimes quirky and other times factual. 

In 1980 he moved back to Phillip Island and wrote in a Journal in 1986: “In Perth my ideas had been more surreal and do with city living, landscapes were regarded with contempt.  Now l am living within a landscape and like it or not it is exerting its influence of me.” 

 He strived for mastery of medium and truth to his initial vision and made studies from past sketches, photos and his imagination.

The works have been selected with the following themes. Perth and Romantic Surrealism (1976 – 1980) Contemporary Landscapes (1980 – 1990)  Looking for the Tiger (1995 – 2002) Mudes – a play on the words moon, nudes and landscape. (2000 – 2010) and a couple of small back shed sculptures. (2010 – 2016)

The curator, widow and fellow artist, Josephine Allen says: “I choose the art from those available at home and in good condition that showcased his journey as an artist. His passion for the environment and nature, for what has been or could be lost and his observations of life.”

The majority of the art is for sale and the exhibition is on between 15th to 26th November 2024 at Berninneit  91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes , Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm, Weekends 10am-4pm.  In partnership with Bass Coast Shire Council.

Contact: Josephine Allen 0421 310 204

Email: islandinfluence@bigpond.com 

Berninneit

91-97 Thompson Ave, Cowes

Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm

Weekends 10am-4pm

Image: Russell Kent, Looking for the Tiger, 1998, oil on canvas.