Concrete Playground

The names of Del Kathryn Barton’s solo shows make her sound like some sort of Australian Miranda July. You could say “an artistic Miranda July,” but Miranda July makes art now – so anyone can be an artist, but not everyone can be a Del Kathryn Barton.

The Sydney-based painter is as diverse as she is prolific, going from winning the Archibald to collaborating with Romance Was Born (or the other way around, if you prefer). She is as likely to be interviewed by Oyster as she is Art & Australia. Her works make the same impact with an excess of colour as they do with a lack of it.

Barton’s subjects are at once all-knowing and innocent, with spindly limbs and eyebrows that frame moon faces and magic hair. When she deviates from painting people, the results are vaguely recognizable creatures with six breasts and floppy ears.

Her latest exhibition is ‘the stars eat your body’ – a series of portraits in Barton’s distinctive style. While some faces peer out with misted eyes, others look directly at you with a penetrating stare. Del Kathryn Barton’s work is mesmeric to look at, but perhaps unsuitable if you are afraid of having your gaze returned. 


Image courtesy of Del Kathryn Barton & Kaliman Gallery