Darren Doye’s latest exhibition ‘Arrival’ might not be what you expect. This collection highlights “animal portraits”, such as a buffalo donning a jersey and round glasses, a camel in a suit and tie and a deer wearing a Pellegrini’s restaurant shirt and sunglasses. These portraits consist of everything that is synonymous with Doye’s work; they’re bold, spirited and surreal. Of course, there are also Darren’s signatures like cows, tractors and Kombi vans in the new exhibition, so long-time admirers of his work will see some familiar characters.
We sat down with Darren Doye to discuss his background, artistic process and his latest exhibition at Manyung Malvern.
When did you first discover your love for making art?
What is involved in your creative process? Do you have a ritual when creating artwork?
What are you inspired by?
Herds of cows and other animals can often be found in your artwork, why have you chosen these animals as a motif?
What do you want your audience to take away from this newest exhibition 'Arrival'?
How do you see your art progressing in the future?
I've always drawn and made things, ever since I was a small child. I went to Art School in Ballarat and have continued to practice making art ever since.
I use a combination of old and new techniques to produce my paintings. Woodcut prints are an ancient technique that I print onto canvas and overlay with paint to re-contextualise their meaning.
What defines us as a society and what we find as iconic or important to our everyday lives.
Cows have always been a reference and symbol of my country roots. The latest animal portraits highlight and pay homage to the immigrants that have made flourished in a new found country, everyone and everything that has had some form of "Arrival" here in Australia. The initial idea was sparked by the recent Melbourne home invasion by a Deer, that became trapped......
To reflect on just where they have come from and arrived to, and to appreciate and think about what is around them.
I will continue to follow this theme with my unique Surrealistic stylings. I love to juxtapose in a light-hearted stories that define who we are.