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Romantic Rebellion
Justine McAllister
Romantic Rebellion
7 – 16 November 2024
hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 12pm – 7pm
Saturdays: 12pm – 4pm
admission: Free
‘Romantic Rebellion’ is an artist’s love letter to freedom. This exhibition embodies a celebration of liberated chaos, where conventions are dismantled and expectations are cast aside.
Justine McAllister has created the world she wishes to see around her: one of acceptance, nourishment, and creativity, free from shame and pretence. The figures in her works are depicted amidst fragmented surroundings, calmly unapologetic about their existence and accepting of those around them. They remain serene amidst the engulfing noise.
This exhibition features paintings, works on paper, and beaded textile artworks. These pieces celebrate the human touch and the physical process of creation. In an era where technology and AI are homogenising creativity and diminishing human physicality, McAllister’s art offers a warm sense of intimacy and connection.
By challenging both external and internal pressures, McAllister has embraced a new, unbridled aesthetic that defies perfection, encouraging a departure from imposed norms and self-restriction. Her work rebels against the modern pursuit of fame and flawlessness, serving as a reminder of the beautiful chaos inherent in authentic human relationships.
Image credits: ‘Romantic Rebellion’ installation view, 2024, photographer: Shannyn Higgins
Justine McAllister is a notable contemporary painter from Ballarat, Australia, now based in Melbourne. Born in 1987, she has garnered acclaim for her large-scale murals that blend figuration with abstraction. Her work is celebrated for its vibrant, dynamic quality and distinctive colour palette that has become integral to her style.
Employing brush and roller to create her murals, McAllister delves into themes of human connection, abundance, and acceptance. She sees her art as a personal visual language, a way to interpret the complex chaos of modern life.
A passionate advocate for public art, McAllister believes it serves as a powerful alternative to commercial advertising, offering perspectives from individuals rather than corporations. She views murals as contemporary time stamps, reflecting the experiences and values of their creators. For McAllister, the creation of art in public spaces holds great significance, as she believes public art invites contemplation and should be readily accessible to everyone.
‘Romantic Rebellion’ is McAllister’s second solo show, where she integrates her mural practice with the contemporary gallery space.
Opening night
Friday 8 November, 5-7pm
Artist Talk
Saturday 16 November, 1pm.
Hosted by fellow artist Jack Rowland and followed by a casual Q&A.