Ringleader of the dark realms Travjamjar returns with his second and last exhibition in Australia, as he gears up to pursue a career in the U.S. On display at Wedge Gallery in Kinokuniya (The Galleries, Sydney) and finishing up at the Foresight Gallery in Newcastle, the macabrely titled “Infanticide”, is the latest batch of creations to spring from the artist’s humorously twisted brain.
It’s with an eerie knack that Travjamjar thrusts breathing writhing, luminescent life into the mangled beasties depicted on canvas. Those fortunate enough to view the exhibition early would have had the privilege of observing his first live painting in the gallery’s window. For this piece his experimental nature claimed two triangle rulers, which dipped and thrown, formed the multi directional kaleidoscopic splash, upon which he spent two days building, layering, detailing.
This is far from the only highlight however; the exhibition becomes increasingly engaging as more and more minute details surface with second and third glances. Out of the smaller ink illustrations “The Lonely Penguine” with its long drawn face, is the only piece where Travjamjar’s signature bear makes an appearance (it may sadly be, one of its last) peering out of a shark toothed chest. The entrancing “Brain Dead” compliments Travjamjar’s incredible use of shading and light, as beams immerse its brain clenching, glassy eyed subject.
However it’s in his vibrantly coloured acrylic canvases that all-encompassing worlds burst from their borders. In an enchantingly creepy “The Dead Wizard Spiders Trip across the Garden”, a mischievous bearded spider gleams amongst an oozing, crawling mass of insects, skulls and a beautifully radiant patterned snake. “A Madman’s World” encapsulates the crazed and disorientating, yet resplendent vibe, of a man’s failed attempt to resurrect an Eden in the sky. It is here, that Travjamjar drops one of his subtle pop culture references, in the guise of a Deathstar inspired planet on the imminent brink of destruction.
The references appear at random, with “Harvester of Sorrow” (an ode to Travjamjar’s Metallica obsession), “Transformers” and “McFly” hailing iconic loves of an 80s childhood. These tidbits do well to enhance the maniacal cheekiness and character of the exhibition, as well as giving a sliver of artist insight.
“Infanticide” presents both sides of nature’s coin, life and death, light and dark, the most gruesome and graceful elements of humanity in an unflinchingly honest, yet light hearted way. It’s with every hope that Travjamjar will carve out a name for himself internationally and whilst this may be a last chance to see his work here, his penchant for leaving one-off scribbles in pubs, trains and even on rooftop doors, will ensure that he’ll be hanging around, long after he boards the plane.
Infanticide will be showing at:
Wedge Gallery, The Galleries 500 George St (Lvl 2 Kinokuniya), Sydney Feb 6-18th
Foresight Gallery, 33 Union St Cooks Hill, Newcastle Mar 2-17
Follow Travjamjar:
travjamjar.net
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facebook.com/travjamjar.art
instagram.com/travjamjar
Images used with Travjamjar’s permission
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