Brian Blanchflower
in conversation with Chris Malcolm

John Curtin Gallery
Wednesday 9 September 2020, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Born 1939, Brighton, United Kingdom Brian Blanchflower lives and works Bedfordale, Western Australia. His affinity with nature is evident in his abstract paintings inspired by the natural environment. His interest in the notion of looking as a metaphor for spiritual contemplation finds perfect

expression in the ‘Canopy’ series, which the artist began in 1985. The series features large scale, densely layered paintings that subsume the viewer in their vital presence. Exploring the sky and space beyond, these works transmit Blanchflower’s deeper spiritual motivation, each work “looking upwards, and outwards, yet inwards at the same time.” The acquisition of Blanchflower’s Canopy XXII launched the Gallery’s 50fifty Acquisition Initiative in 2017. Join Brian Blanchflower in conversation with JCG Director and 50fifty:2020 co-curator Chris Malcolm as he talks about the long-term challenges and joys of creating the Canopy Series and gives insight into his significant practice and reputation as one of WA’s foremost artists.