Andrew McIlroy

Rush

26 September — 11 October 2013

Born 1966
Lives and works in Melbourne

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Recalling childhood vacations on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, I am overwhelmed with vivid memories - running and jumping from the pier into the too-deep water beneath me; being dumped by waves; and, wondering will I reach the surface before running out of breath. I can still feel the adrenalin, the rush and excitement of those boyhood adventures, pushing myself to the edges of exhilaration and endurance.

Never far from mind though are the fear, awe and terror that simultaneously these sensual experiences can bring. The beautiful, watery playgrounds bore silent witness to the fears and anxieties that can grip us as children, and perhaps provide a glimpse into our psyche as adults today.

This concept of the ‘sublime’, beauty and terror intertwined, permeates our reminiscences and imaginings; a concept not new to art.

However, my latest paintings are neither literal, idyllic depictions of place nor heroic portrayals of man’s conquests over the environment; instead, I engage in an emotional way. The works in this exhibition are elemental, semi-abstracted and universal - offering to viewers a sense that they have possibly been here and felt this before.

In appropriating the sublime and adopting familiar and vibrant imagery, I hope to tantalise and engage with a contemporary audience - perhaps in an unprecedented way - evoking their own cherished childhood memories, shared experiences and heart-stopping moments.

Andrew McIlroy

Melbourne

2013

\ Exhibition featured works

Andrew McIlroy

Across the Shallow

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 140 x 118cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Adrift

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 90 x 90cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Calm Descends

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 183 x 153cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Escape from above

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 140x118cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Immerse

2013 \ oil on linen \ 90 x 90cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

King Tide

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 183x153cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Lunge

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 90 x 90cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Ocean Mist

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 140 x 118cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Reborn

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 168x183cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Rush

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 140x118cm

SOLD

Andrew McIlroy

Rush II

2013 \ Oil on linen \ 140 x 118cm

SOLD

\ Other exhibitions

Hubert Pareroultja

"When the rain tumbles down in july"

21 March — 6 April 2024

PEOPLE,

Group Exhibition

29 February — 16 March 2024

Jonathan Dalton

MELBOURNE ART FAIR

22 February — 25 February 2024

Contact Us

to find out more about Rush .

12 - 14 Meagher Street Chippendale, NSW 2008
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm Saturday, 11am - 4pm Closed Public Holidays (and Easter Saturday)