Provocative Artwork Tests Viewers' Inhibitions

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday August 11, 2004

By JUSTIN VALLEJO

A FACELESS woman stands chained to a balcony in fishnet stockings and high heels next to a smashed champagne glass.

Artist John Birt's new exhibition of sensual and controversial paintings depicts the fantasy and innermost thoughts of many people that are rarely expressed in words or actions.

"As a whole, people are very inhibited," Mr Birt said.

"I wanted to add a bit of mystery and intrigue to try to shock the community and tell a story so people don't have to go to a boring exhibition."

The fishnet woman could be a prostitute or tart that a conservative community like Newcastle would turn its nose up at, Mr Birt said, or she could also be Kylie Minogue or Madonna about to perform on stage something most people would be comfortable with.

It is that style of interpretation the 46-year-old Kotara Heights artist hopes to invoke.

"We are very conservative in Newcastle, but I thought now was the right time to bring my art home," Mr Birt said.

"It is from the heart and emotional . . . my life on canvas inspired from the interaction I have had between different people and relationships."

The six-week exhibition will be held at the Vanilla Lifestyles Shop, Darby Street, Cooks Hill.