STEVE SALO

The Back to Back Theatre Portraits (2016)

In 2016 Steve Salo collaborated with Back to Back Theatre, creating portraits of the ensemble actors and the artistic director.

Back to Back Theatre creates new forms of contemporary theatre imagined from the minds and experiences of a unique ensemble of actors with disability, giving voice to social and political issues that speak to all people. The company is one of Australia’s most globally recognised and respected contemporary theatre companies, touring extensively to major festivals and cultural institutions around the world.

Steve’s updates about the project follow below.

Updates

The Back to Back Theatre Portraits at Frankston Arts Centre

19 October – 9 December 2017
FAC Curved Wall Gallery
27-37 Davey St, Frankston, Melbourne
paintings not for sale
See news post

1 Nov 2016: Frankston Arts Centre have contacted me to exhibit the Back to Back Theatre Portraits in their Curved Wall Gallery, from 19 October to 9 December 2017. Thrilled that many theatre and arts lovers will get to see these works!

24 Sept 2016: After showing in Sydney, the Salon des Refusés exhibition, which includes my painting of Simon Laherty, has travelled to the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery in Melbourne where it can be viewed from 25 September until 22 November.

17 July 2016 (also see News page): Last night’s opening was the most exciting event of my painting life. I’m honoured to have my painting of Simon Laherty hanging in the Salon des Refusés 2016 at the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney with the works of many artists I admire. Thank you to Simon, it’s hard to imagine a person who could engage me more completely in a painting. I actually finished his portrait and declared, “My work as a painter is done”, but of course this wonderful experience has just inspired me onwards.
 

 
 
10 June: Thrilled by the news that my painting of Romany Latham has received a Commended Prize in the 2016 Kogarah Art Prize in Sydney, awarded by judge Dr Gene Sherman AM. I’m moving house (and studio) this weekend, so unfortunately missed the opening.
 

 
 
6 May: What a great night! Previewed the completed portraits of the ensemble actors at Metropolis Gallery for Art After Dark. I brought along sketchbooks and photos from the sittings and worked on the painting of artistic director Bruce Gladwin. Thanks to Rob and Ilze at Metropolis and to everyone who called in.
 

 
 
14 April: Brian, Mark and Romany, a return to the big brush strokes I’m more known for.
 

 
 
24 March: The final sitting, with ensemble member Romany Latham, another painting I can’t wait to get started.
 
 

 
 
22 March: I just loved working on the painting of Scott Price, enjoyed tackling a beard like this.
 

 
 
18 March: Story in today’s Geelong Indy, ‘Power of presence shines through the dark’, about the upcoming preview of The Back to Back Portraits at Metropolis Gallery for Geelong After Dark on Friday 6 May.
“I’ve learnt about the amazing creative projection that comes from these people; their sensitivity, fragility at times and their intense focus on their work.”
 
11 March: Excited about today’s sittings with Brian Tilley and Mark Deans. The painting of Scott Price is almost ready to reveal, he’s looking like a bushranger from the 1800s. It’s such an honour to be painting these actors.

Next week Back to Back Theatre head off to Wellington to present ‘small metal objects’ in the New Zealand Festival, then in May they’ll be in Sau Paulo, Brazil, to present ‘Genesh Versus the Third Reich’ in the Australia Now Festival, then it’s on to Athens to perform ‘small metal objects’ at the Onassis Cultural Centre. Back to Back’s performance and awards history is incredible. They’ve toured the world, yet they’re so humble about their achievements.
 

 
 
9 March: Painting of Simon Laherty is finished and drying in the studio. Now I’m in Scott-mode, another thrilling ride.
 

 
 
21 Feb: Quite a bit of brush mileage on Simon, still many hours to go. Tomorrow I have the sitting with Scott, so I’d better make another coffee and get back to the studio.
 

 
Received good news this week, my first completed painting in this series, ‘Sarah Mainwaring, actor, Back to Back Theatre’, has been shortlisted for the Wyndham Art Prize 2016. The exhibition runs 17 March to 1 May at Wyndham Art Gallery, 177 Watton Street, Werribee. Opening night 16 March.
 
 
13 Feb: Working on the portrait of Simon. I’m in the grip of an obsession.
 

 
 
7 Feb: I’ve been drawing Simon as I contemplate how I’m going to paint him.
 

 
 
4 Feb: I’m so freakin rapt with the sittings I’ve had with Sarah, Bruce (pictured below right) and Simon. They each have an intense and powerful presence. Simon was incredible, he completely drew me in, his face and emotion are a painter’s dream.
 

 
 
24 Jan: The first completed painting in this exciting project is revealed below.
 

 
 
Artworks not for sale.