Exhibition runs 06 January – 25 February 2007
an S.H. Ervin Gallery touring exhibition

This summer, National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery is pleased to present the first major survey exhibition of the work of artist, Chris O’Doherty, also known as Reg Mombassa.

 

Self portrait with ice cream on nose, 1991, Private Collection, Organism field Shrine, 1991, Private Collection, Ghost Cars, 2005, Private Collection, Fluffy, the slightly Pink Kangaroo, 2003, Private Collection. All images Chris O’Doherty aka Reg Mombassa, © the artist.

 

I’m looking forward to assembling a collection of work that represents my artistic activities over the last thirty years or so… Chris (Reg)

Chris O'Doherty is often referred to as a Renaissance man – the artist, singer, songwriter, musician – with an inexhaustible commitment to his art practice, O’Doherty’s iconic imgaery has been synonymous with the popular face of Australian visual culture for over three decades. Chris O’Doherty is perhaps best known for his long involvement with the celebrated Australian band, Mental as Anything and as one of the original designers for Mambo, the popular street wear label, however, O’Doherty has also been a serious exhibiting artist for over thirty years making a significant contribution to our cultural landscape, all intertwined with that of his alter ego, Reg Mombassa. THE ART OF CHRIS O’DOHERTY aka Reg Mombassa, is this first major survey exhibition of his work. We investigate O’Doherty’s use of religious, political and popular culture themes and his incisive commentary on society. Beneath the humour and his amusing parodies, lies an expression of serious insights and sympathies. O’Doherty is an artist not afraid to state his convictions.

Since 1976, Chris O’Doherty has played a major role in our cultural landscape. He has maintained a highly successful career as a musician and visual artist. O’Doherty’s work is widely sought by private & corporate collectors and features in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Powerhouse Museum and other important collections.

THE ART OF CHRIS O’DOHERTY is an S.H. Ervin Gallery touring exhibition featuring over 80 paintings, works on paper & prints from the above collections, original posters, objects and memorabilia relating to his work with Mental as Anything, Mambo, the Sydney 2000 Olympics and beyond. A series of special events including Sunday Guest Talks are scheduled.

The wind, semi-professional birthday clowns, heavy machinery and the behavior of domestic animals
inspire Chris (Reg). He is married with three children and lives in the inner west of Sydney.
A full-colour catalogue will be produced for the exhibition.

 

Exhibition Tour Dates:
06 January – 25 February 2007 National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney
07 March – 09 April 2007 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Victoria

further dates to be advised

MEDIA INFORMATION
Leah Haynes Tel : 02 9258 0150 email: lhaynes@nsw.nationaltrust.org.au
Selected images available for media use.
Chris O’Doherty & Jane Watters, S.H. Ervin Gallery Director available for interviews by request.

 

Location: Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11am-5pm.
Exhibition admission fees: $6/$4 National Trust members, seniors & concs
General information: 02 9258 0173
Media office: 02 9258 0150
Education officer: 02 9258 0122 group & school tours welcome.
Public Program: Guest Speakers Sundays at 3pm
Supported by:

Educational workshops for children proudly supported by

Chroma.

 

Click here for The Art of Chris O'Doherty aka Reg Mombassa
public program - Sundays at 3pm

Click here to read the SMH review

Click here to read the Powerhouse Museum Design Hub review