Ute number two for paddock
• Outback artist, Shane Gehlert with his ute in progress.
Popular artist Shane Gehlert is to complete his contribution to Burrawang’s “Utes in a Paddock” project this week.
Burrawang West owner, Graham Pickles is thrilled to have the second ‘Ute in a Paddock’ underway with Mr Gehlert creating another unique visual icon for the tourist attraction. This ute is one of 12 proposed for the tourist site on the Mulgutherie Road near Ootha.
In this work called ‘Epitaph to Fossil Fuels’, Shane is using his famous metallic Macropod (chrome Kangaroo) against an outback setting sun on the back canopy of the ute. The ute will be stood upright on its tail with two petrol bowsers on each side with pipes running into the sky. St Bilby will feature on the bonnet. Shane’s paintings are a strange combination of realism, fantasy art, sci-fi, surrealism and political satire.
Formally from Broken Hill, the vibrant colours and clear blue skies, are reminiscent of Shane’s time spent in the ‘outback’ of Australia.
Shane mostly works from his studio in Mooloolah, Queensland and he especially undertook the day and a half drive to Burrawang in order to be part of the project.
“I’m normally sceptical of these sort of projects but in this case I’m definitely on board with Graham’s ideas. A good friend of mine Stephen Lee in Parkes encouraged me to look at the Burrawang project. Plus John Murray said the project was ground breaking and would raise the profile of outback art.”
Shane’s unique works are held in private and corporate collections all around the world. His work has featured in many media publications, books and television shows, both in Australia and internationally.Shane’s work can be seen at www.outbackart.com.au
The third ute is to be painted by Peter Brown this coming week.
