THE LINE, THE CROSS & THE CURVE

Catalogue entry from Kim Nelson's 2001 exhibition at the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery,Sydney, Australia. (24th August until 9 September, 2001)

Haunting, ethereal, pensive, mystical, disturbing - all of these words describe the artwork of Kim Nelson. His art quite often commands a complex and intense emotional response from the viewer, something which has made Nelson one of the most exciting artists working today. His work is a mysterious alchemy of sensuality and spirituality.

Every so often an artist comes along who defies the easy labeling that curators and critics feel obliged to stick on everything falling under their rapacious gaze. In spite of lacking affiliation with art movements, these artists manage to create deeply felt, progressive work that an extraordinary number of viewers respond to with fervor and pleasure - Kim Nelson is one such artist.

Kim Nelson’s August 2001 exhibition at the Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery is entitled ‘The line, the cross and the curve’, a lyric from English songstress, Kate Bush.

"this curve, is your smile and this cross, is your heart and this line, is your path "

In commenting on this intriguing title the artist states: "The title of this exhibition is not so much a visual theme for me as a state of mind ...... following your heart which is your path and facing adversity with a smile."

Kim goes on to say, "Throughout the creation period of this exhibition, I’ve been reacquainting myself with the inspirations of my youth and realizing where I’ve come from. I rediscovered, in the cool climate of Nuremburg, my brother Albrecht Durer and in Toledo, the Spanish skies of El Greco. In the hills of Umbria I came across a contemporary Renaissance master by the name of Massimo Rao. Of course, you will realise, as I haven’t been outside of Australia, my travels have all been in my head. But what a wonderful journey it’s been.

Also over this period my dad was dreadfully ill and in late June he died. I loved my dad. I don’t know of anyone I admired more. Maybe it has affected the mood of this exhibition - maybe not; but it has made for one very frenetic & upsetting period of my life. I wish he was here to open my show.

The point is, there isn’t necessarily a theme to this exhibition, or if there is one it’s simply as the lyrics state. I’m following the heart."