Local artist Cameron Kidd says that art is something that’s integrated directly into his life.
Kidd has been highly involved in perpetuating the youth-art movement in Victoria, and his works have been displayed proudly in many places around town.
Polychrome Fine Arts has recognized his skill and will be hosting Wag, which is an exhibit of Kidd’s works.
“I’m working on a bunch of new paintings and the theme is kind of loose. It’s mostly just me trying to paint some fun and thoughtful works focusing on the technical side of things and using pretty simple colours and bold iconography,” says Kidd. “I’m pushing these technical ideas that I’ve been working on in my head for years and utilizing this opportunity to put them on paper, so to speak… well, canvas, actually.”
Kidd has produced a variety of works but has shown a consistent appreciation of strong line work and bold colours. From the pieces that have been revealed of his new show so far, it’s clear that he will be using these techniques, but also some other fresh ones.
“I’m really trying to push myself for this one, and the work is really experimental, not so difficult to comprehend, but there’s a little bit of the unknown in the process,” he explains. “I’ve had to use my instincts to get to the finished product, and it’s been pretty successful as far as I’m concerned.”
Wag will give Kidd the chance to showcase his talent in a way that he’s not necessarily used to. This has put some pressure on him, and he seems to be rising to the challenge.
“I have been involved in many shows, but I have not done a lot of solo shows, and I’ve been thinking to myself that this is kind of like one of my firsts. That’s not true, but at least that’s how I’m approaching it, and I feel that kind of pressure,” says Kidd. “I have kind of three veins of work going on and they’re not all exactly the same, but they all go back to that same shape and boldness and sort of figurativeness.”
Kidd says he draws his inspiration from finding ideas in his older work, progressing with them, and then trying to take them into a new and exciting direction. He also hints at another source of inspiration that he’s not sure is obvious, but that he hopes some people will catch.
“For this show I’ve been using some really obscure references, drawing from artists from the past that I’m inspired by,” says Kidd. “I’ve been working with some imagery and ideas that have been pretty influential.”
Wag
Opening 7-9 pm January 22 (runs until February 5)
Polychrome Fine Arts (977-A Fort Street)
polychromefinearts.com