Abstract artist makes his mark at Redland Art Gallery exhibition

Bold strokes and abstract shapes reminiscent of street art feature in a new exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland this month.

Soft Pressing is a dynamic exhibition by Brisbane artist Simon Degroot that explores urban environments through abstract art.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the exhibition was a drawcard for the gallery as Degroot’s work was in high demand at public and private galleries.

“This is an opportunity for local art lovers to engage with an exciting contemporary artist on the national art scene who has a strong connection to Redlands Coast, as Degroot grew up in the area,” the Mayor said.

“This exhibition is a fabulous example of the calibre of artists presented through Redland Art Gallery.”

Degroot regularly works on large-scale projects including murals and public spaces. His pieces are a blend of intentional and spontaneous gestures, capturing the energy of urban art.

The colours and forms in Soft Pressing also reference art history, nodding to the cut-outs of 20th century French master Henri Matisse, the abstract shapes of American painter, sculptor and printmaker Ellsworth Kelly, and German-French sculptor, painter and poet Jean Arp’s experiments with chance.

Degroot uses a technique called frottage, where he takes rubbings from rough surfaces such as brick walls and footpaths to capture their textures. This method allows for a direct and intimate connection with the built environment, embracing chance encounters and unpredictable results.

Degroot enhances these textured surfaces with bold, painted strokes.

Redland Art Gallery Manager Kerryanne Farrer said she was excited by the opportunities for gallery visitors to interact with the exhibition.

“In this assembly of recent works, the artist is inviting viewers to discover their own stories and a personal connection with dynamic and layered cityscapes,” Ms Farrer said.

“Degroot has included an interactive wall, where anyone is welcome to experiment with frottage and leave their mark in the gallery.”

An exhibition opening event will be held on Friday 11 October from 6pm to 8pm. An artist talk will be held on Sunday 13 October from 10am to noon.

The exhibition opens to the public from Sunday 13 October at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland and continues until Tuesday 26 November.

Bookings are essential for the exhibition opening and artist talk; register online on the Redland Art Gallery website.