2010s
Oil on Linen and Canvas
‘The snow comes to town’
Oil on Linen
62 by 87cm, 2019
‘Saving Lost Souls’
Oil on Canvas
135 by 200cm, 2011
‘Cirius Rising’
Oil on Linen
87 by 107cm, 2016
‘Towards Nathalia’
Oil on Linen
62 by 87cm, 2019
Performance in the 2010’s
‘Untitled’
Watercolor
51 by 68cm, 2010
‘Flying over Ancient Rome’
Pencil
12 by 18cm, 2016
The intriguing performance piece titled Hotel Ibis featured the enigmatic birdman making a captivating visit to the renowned Hotel Ibis situated in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia.
The fusion of artistry and reality brought a unique charm to the storyline, leaving the audience mesmerized by the birdman's mysterious presence in the bustling urban landscape.
In the context of performance art, it is crucial to acknowledge the diverse approaches that have been explored within this artistic domain. An area that has garnered attention is sculptural installations wherein performances evolve, particularly highlighting Australian themes. Renowned artists such as Kevin Mortensen often present scenes set in the Australian bush. These portrayals provide a mythic portrayal of white 'primitivism,' enriching the layers of depth and intricacy in the creative exploration of this field.
‘Ibis Hotel III’
Photograph
28 by 17cm, 2014
‘Untitled’
Graphite
42 by 60cm, 2017
‘Untitled’
Graphite
42 by 59cm, 2017
‘Woodpile’
Charcoal
42 by 59cm, 2017
‘At the Inlet’
Charcoal
42 by 59cm, 2017
‘Banksia Couple’
Charcoal
51 by 73cm, 2010
‘Bush at Night’
Charcoal
98 by 130cm, 2014
‘Sunshine in a clearing’
Gauche
27 by 36.5cm, 2010
‘Be careful with the razor son. A terrible thing happened to me’
Pen and Ink
16 by 22cm, 2011
‘Beach Matter II’
Pencil and Ink
12 by 18cm, 2016
‘Untitled’
Pencil and Ink
31 by 89cm, 2015
Kevin Mortensen continued his exploration of performance art in the 2010s with his notable piece, Hotel Ibis, which was showcased in 2014. Throughout this decade, Mortensen's dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression shone through in his innovative and thought-provoking performances, captivating audiences with his unique vision and creativity.
‘Ibis Hotel II’
Photograph
28 by 17cm, 2014
‘Bushfire’
Oil on Linen
62 by 87cm, 2019
The artworks of Kevin Mortensen beautifully capture his lifelong dedication to environmentalism, showcasing a deep tenderness and respect for nature. His pieces are imbued with a profound reverence for the natural world, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.
Life itself serves as the poignant muse for this compelling series of artworks. The raw, untamed beauty of nature's destructive power is captured and reflected in each piece, offering a somber yet powerful reflection on the fragility of our environment and the resilience required to endure.
‘Night sky with Apparition’
Oil on Linen
87 by 107cm, 2016
‘Ibis Hotel I’
Photograph
28 by 17cm, 2014
Ibis Hotel IV’
Photograph
28 by 17cm, 2014
Graphite and Charcoal
‘Untitled’
Graphite
42 by 59.5cm, 1994
‘Untitled’
Graphite
46 by 50cm, 2017
‘Banksia Dance’
Charcoal
51 by 73cm, 2010
‘Rain on the way’
Charcoal
51 by 73cm, 2010
Gauche
Crossing tracks’
Gauche
19 by 25cm, 2010
‘Back Country IV’
Watercolor
53 by 74cm, 2013
Pen and Ink
‘Christmas Kangaroo’
Pen and Ink
16 by 22cm, 2011
‘Landscape’
Pencil
12 by 18cm, 2016
‘Untitled’
Ink
43 by 57cm, 2012
‘Banksia Cone’
Graphite
41 by 58cm, 2017
‘Untitled’
Graphite and Pen
91 by 130cm, 2013
The applications of layers of tone in Graphite or Charcoal provide artists with a versatile range of techniques to meticulously construct complex compositions, elevating the interplay of form, light, and shadow present within their artistic creations. This nuanced approach affords artists the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of their subject matter, resulting in pieces that exude a captivating sense of depth and dimension.
‘Untitled’
Graphite
42 by 59cm, 2013
‘An Eveving Out’
Gauche
53.5 by 73.5cm, 2010
‘Fans in a river’
Watercolor and Gauche
84 by 117cm, 2013
‘Just another suburban nightmare’
Pen, Charcoal and Ink
16 by 22cm, 2011
‘Ancient City’
Pencil
12 by 18cm, 2016
Mortensen's artistic prowess shines through in his masterful manipulation of pen, pencil, and ink to push the limits of creative expression, seamlessly combining these diverse mediums to produce extraordinary works of art.
‘Untitled’
Ink
33 by 45cm, 2012
‘Untitled’
Graphite
42 by 59cm, 2017
Ranging from captivating skyscapes that evoke a sense of tranquility to intricate abstract expressions that challenge interpretation, Mortensen's masterful manipulation of tone and depth showcases a level of artistry that is increasingly rare in today's artistic landscape. His ability to seamlessly blend colors and textures creates a visual experience that resonates deeply with viewers, inviting them to contemplate the essence of each piece.
