Juan Ford
b. Melbourne, 1973. Lives and works in Melbourne.
My practice has consistently been engaged with opening up new possibilities for realism in painting. I have employed many strategies that argue around the theoretical ‘problems’ of realism in painting. I enjoy exploiting the limited short-comings of the dull, officially sanctioned dialogue between painting and it’s would-be executioner, photography, in order to develop new potential for realism. While my work evolves and varies across time, it characteristically involves an examination of our schismatic relationship to the natural environment.
Juan Ford’s practice over the last decade has been consistently engaged with realism in painting. His anamorphic works reference an historic painting ‘trick’ where works had hidden images that were stretched or distorted such as Hans Holbien’s The Ambassadors, 1533. Ford’s work speaks of environmental issues, but he tries not to delve into a singular subject, instead allowing himself the freedom to discover other themes. He is interested in the history of oil painting and using conventional materials to produce innovative work. For Ford the meaning and the material become one.
Juan Ford is represented by Dianne Tanzer Gallery + Projects.
September 2012
Gallery
Elegy for Enlightenments Detritus 2006
oil on plywood, rubbish bin
Courtesy of the artist, Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf
Fine Art, SydneyAn Imminent Silhouette 2007
oil on linen
66 x 51 cm
Courtesy of the artist, Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, SydneyThe Other Hidden Hand 2009
oil on linen
Courtesy of the artist, Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, SydneyPhallusy 2006
oil on plywood, exhaust pipe
Courtesy of the artist, Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, SydneyThe Emissary 2007
oil on linen
Courtesy of the artist, Dianne Tanzer Gallery, Melbourne and Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, SydneyShilo sleeve: oil paint 2009
© Courtesy the artist