peter dailey

composite

7 november - 6 december 2014

Peter Dailey is one of Perth's most highly respected sculptors.

His exhibition will feature three new large-scale sculptural forms and a series of photographic wall works.

His artworks for several years have investigated the idea of change within our existing amalgam of social structures and power relationships. He believes that change must first come from within us as individuals if we are to facilitate lasting changes; such as addressing social inequalities, preventing international food wastage, questioning the genetic modification of food crops, or the slowing of global warming. He is concerned that we are living in an age of fear rather than optimism, which ultimately stifles change. This leads him to be curious about the behaviour of people within the power structures at play, when they feel under pressure.

The two power structures he alludes to in his work are based around food. The first is a silo (Greed), which feeds the physical, the second a church (Power), that feeds the soul. Whether both these structures are still relevant in today's society is questioned. His symbols can be (literally) perceived as being on a lean, precariously balanced and battered, and placed in wheelbarrows ready to be taken away. His third sculpture (Malignant Seed) represents a more modern scenario of power structures, encased in perspex with LED lighting, but it still contains the old seeds of power and greed. Only time will tell whether change for the better will take place.

Peter is fascinated with "whether the process of change is relatively harmonious, or ridden with upheaval, and how these new hybrid structures may find equilibrium. The question is raised as to whether the structures are really fundamentally different from the ones they are replacing, or whether they are simply variants of the power bases that have long existed." (artist statement 2014)

Peter Dailey is also well known for his drafting and drawing skills, and his paintings. His thought provoking artworks can be found in the collections of the Art Gallery of WA, University of WA, Australian Capital Equity, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, Warnambool Art Gallery Victoria, and numerous shires and councils.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

peter dailey artwork
installation
photo by eva fernandez
peter dailey artwork
installation
photo by eva fernandez
peter dailey artwork
installation
photo by eva fernandez
peter dailey artwork
furtive I
edition 1/3
film stills on professional endura lustre paper
35.5 x 19.3cm [x3]
2014
$330
peter dailey artwork
greed
wood, steel, fibreglass resin, acrylic + oil paint, wheat
292 x 374 x 108cm
2014
$22,000
peter dailey artwork
power
wood, steel, fibreglass resin, acrylic + oil paint, wheat
308 x 338 x 105cm
2014
$22,000
peter dailey artwork
furtive II
edition 1/3
film stills on professional endura lustre paper
35.5 x 19.3cm [x3]
2014
$330
peter dailey artwork
stealth
film still on professional endura lustre paper
9 x 9cm [x22]
2014
$99 each
peter dailey artwork
malignant seed
perspex, wood, resin, LED lights, battery, acrylic + oil paint
276 x 90 x 60cm
2014
$22,000
peter dailey artwork
furtive III
edition 1/3
film stills on professional endura lustre paper
35.5 x 19.3cm [x3]
2014
$330