BIOGRAPHY
Patrick McMahon is a local artist who, through his work, aims to answer the question “When did art become an intellectual experience, rather than a practical pursuit of subjective exploration?”
McMahon’s work does not need analytical discourse to validate it. His concept is not steeped in social or political issue. Nor does his application, surprisingly given its complexity, require deconstruction by computer. His work, from planning to realisation, is handmade, often taking over six months to create a single piece. The artist admits to living his work, creating where he lives, as this affords him a continual critical eye and the meticulous drafting that is required of such intricate art.
“The process is meditative for me.” McMahon reveals, “At heart, I am inspired by the process of making art. I endeavour to capture, entertain, and maintain the viewer. My work is inspired both by the colour and geography of the landscape, and our relationship within it. This inspiration can emerge from the actual colour within the natural environment, such as the screeching colour of a volatile bush or rainforest habitat, or the complexity of colour and pattern within an opal.”
Unapologetically, McMahon paints from a place of emotion that he claims is birthed from decades of both professional and life experience studying what is achieved when nature and paint unite.
Among his achievements, McMahon is a two times finalist in the Border Art prize, and winner of the abstract division of the Royal Queensland Art Society awards. His work can be found in private collections around the globe.
EDUCATION
1980 East Sydney Technical College [National Art College] – Art Diploma
1984 East Sydney Technical College – Certificate of Ceramics
Artist Director for Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS) Gold Coast
EXHIBITIONS
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021 7 Mini Solo Shows, ‘Dancing Colours’ 19 Karen Gallery, Gold Coast QLD
2017 Colourscapes, 19 Karen, Gold Coast QLD
2013 Mignon Sticha Wall RQAS, Gold Coast QLD (Paintings)
2003 Nash Theatre, Brisbane QLD (Paintings)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2019 Threesome International Group Show, 19 Karen, Gold Coast QLD
2019 Hot Summers Night Group Show, 19 Karen Gallery + Sofitel Hotel, Mermaid Beach QLD, AUS
2019 Director’s Choice Exhibition, 19 Karen, Gold Coast QLD
2016 General Exhibition, 19 Karen, Gold Coast QLD
2013 Fix8 Gallery, Freshwater Sydney NSW (Paintings)
2010 Kick Arts Gallery, Cairns QLD (Paintings)
2009 Kick Arts Gallery, Cairns QLD (Paintings)
2008 Kick Arts Gallery, Cairns QLD (Paintings)
2005 Karnak Playhouse Theatre, Mossman QLD (Paintings)
1998 Karnak Playhouse Theatre, Mossman QLD (Paintings)
1995 Karnak Playhouse Theatre, Mossman QLD (Paintings)
1985 Hargraves Gallery, Paddington Sydney NSW (Paintings)
1983 Bondi Pavilion Gallery, NSW (Paintings and Sculpture)
1980 Australian National University, ACT (Photography)
Regular shows at
Royal Queensland Art Society, Gold Coast Branch QLD
Serpentine Gallery, Lismore NSW
Monets Garden Gallery, Gold Coast QLD
Achievements
2020 Completed a 2-month Artist Residency, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, Mermaid Beach
2018 Highly Commended – Border Art Prize
2016 Finalist – Border Art Prize
2015 Highly Commended Landscape – The D’Arcy Doyle Art Awards
2013 First Prize Abstract – Big Art Award, Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS)
2012 First Prize Landscape / Seascape – Big Art Award, Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS)
