Anthony Case

Hi my name is Anthony. I like to play games and read booksThe artwork "The Outsiders" painted by Gordon Bennett typifies the struggle of the Contemporary Aboriginal Spirituality to deal with the issue of dispossession and the loss of identity. Born in Monto, Queensland (8/10/1955), of Anglo-Celtic and Aboriginal ancestry , Gordon Bennett grew up in Victoria from the age of four, when his family moved back to Queensland, to the town of Nambour. He attended high school in Brisbane, attending Brisbane State High School. He left school at fifteen and worked in a variety of trades before beginning formal art studies at the Queensland College of Art, Brisbane (1986-1988). Some of his work is about what he saw when he was young. His 1991 painting Nine Ricochets won the prestigious Moët & Chandon Australian Art Fellowship, and he rapidly established himself as a leading figure in the Australian art world. He currently lives and works in Brisbane. Gordon has achieved his purpose through the blending of the search for meaning as well as the search of his stolen identity.

The Outsider focuses on issues of the increasing isolation indigenous Australians feel in their own country. Painted in 1988 in which the bicentennial anniversary of white settlement in Australia was being held. Dimensions of 290x180cm and painted on canvas using oil and acrylic paints.

The Outsider depicts a decapitated aboriginal figure standing over Van Gogh's bed with red paint streaming skywards to join with the cortex of Vincent's starry night, charged with feelings of the frustration and confusion of the aboriginal peoples.

Bennett acquired inspiration from tragic things that occur between aboriginals and white settlers.

Bennett re-contextualises two existing images to challenge the viewer to question and see-alternative perspectives. He makes reference to two paintings by Van Gogh, "Vincent's bedroom in Arles" and "starry night". He draws from Van Gogh to create a new language. Bennett also identifies with Van Gogh's metaphysical quest for meaning and identity, in such a way that the decapitated figure could be interpreted to be either Bennett or Van Gogh. There is clear reference to the energy and intensity associated with Van Gogh's expressive brushstrokes and brilliant colour contrasts which create a powerful and explosive effect. Bennett has replicated Van Gogh's unique painting style and use of texture throughout much of the painting. The texture is prevalent throughout the whole painting and especially noticeable in the night sky section.