Zachary Craig
Bing Bang Bong
1 - 23 March 2025
OPENING/MEET THE ARTIST Saturday 1 March, 11am – 5pm ALL WELCOME
MEET THE ARTIST Saturday 15 March, 11am – 2pm and ARTIST TALK 1pm
Zachary Craig continues the development of his personal painting language and development of painting techniques. He approaches his practice like a craftsman; consistent daily work with a focused Heart and eyes for honest self critique. Craig continues to push away from any sense of classical composition in this body of work. Since his previous exhibition with Straitjacket, Craig has pushed further into territory that questions painterly concerns such as scale, asymmetry and colour subjectivity. Craig has no concern for this era of rationality and concept; he is fixated only on feeling and the evocation of an Inner World.
Q&A
How do you compose your paintings?
The composition arises as I create the work. I am more interested in what the support ‘desires’ in each particular moment of painting; if I stay honest and connected to this feeling I believe a holistic composition will result naturally.
What techniques do you use?
I call on a variety of techniques that have been used throughout Art History. In particular I am currently interested in glazing techniques invented by the Early Flemish school. The depth of optical complexity achieved using this technique is overwhelming and continues to challenge me.
Who are your influences?
I have a particular fondness for the Flemish Masters such as van Eyck, van der Weyden, Bouts, Memling and Campin. 20th Century painters such as Kandinsky, Miro, Still and Picasso. My contemporary Charlie Sheard continues to fill me with inspiration.
Artist Biography
Zac Craig is an Oil painter based in Regional Australia. His 3 year mentorship with prominent Sydney Abstractionist Charlie Sheard helped develop his understanding of Oil painting materials, technique and Art history.
Craig has continued to develop his practice and Art knowledge through exhibitions and international residencies. Spending time abroad at the renowned Baumwollspinnerei in Leipzig; he has studied in person the great works of Art history which inspire the techniques found in his Abstract works.
Craig was awarded the NG Artist Scholarship in 2019 which allowed him to further study works of Art in France while honing his plein-air practice.
Since returning to Australia Craig has been involved in numerous group shows and solo exhibitions. His recent exhibitions include ‘Apotheke’ at Straitjacket, ‘Soft Conversations’ with Gosford Regional Gallery and ‘Salón de Verano’ with Beta Contemporary in Barcelona.
This is his second solo exhibition at Straitjacket.
