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The way Rex imparts the surprising beauty of what is usually perceived as harsh country, has opened many eyes to the subtle powers of nature. The re-growth after a burn bringing abundant wildlife in its wake; the watercourses which temporarily exist and miraculously fill with fish and life; the sculptural intrigue of anthills are all themes in Backhaus-Smith’s work, but it is his use of paint to build layer upon layer which creates not just a story, but a subtext too.
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The book, ‘Rex Backhaus-Smith – an artist’s journey’ by Jill Brannock, gives a delightful insight into how a young man seemingly destined to eke a living off the land, steadfastly followed his inherent need to educate himself, to travel and to create, but equally depicts the gentle character of a man as comfortable preparing a sheet of Arches as he is establishing a bush camp. His bush skills have often been remarked upon by those who have travelled with him along the Strzelecki Track or through the Tanami, while his artistic abilities have been admired and studied by many.
His new collection sees him return to canvas after decades working with only watercolour and gouache,
but it is his understanding and depth which remain the keys to his images. Backhaus-Smith is recording the Australian outback not for nostalgic or patriotic reasons, but because the bush and art constitute his very life-blood.
"Rex is a dedicated and innovative artist who has deep feelings for the land. He has the technical and creative ability to portray, sincerely and well, what he obviously loves." - Clifton Pugh (artist)
Such genuine sentiments show that Rex Backhaus-Smith is one of Queensland's most celebrated and inspired artists. Having made the Sunshine Coast hinterland his home now for nearly ten years, there is plenty of inspiration from his everyday surrounds, but this has not curbed his curiosity to experience different parts of the world from Greece, Spain or Morocco to Bali, Thailand and Java and yet his greatest influence and love is the Outback. Rex's childhood and much of his life as a teacher was spent in Western Queensland and his fascination with the landscape, its creatures and history are the sources of many major works.
but it is his understanding and depth which remain the keys to his images. Backhaus-Smith is recording the Australian outback not for nostalgic or patriotic reasons, but because the bush and art constitute his very life-blood.
"Rex is a dedicated and innovative artist who has deep feelings for the land. He has the technical and creative ability to portray, sincerely and well, what he obviously loves." - Clifton Pugh (artist)
Such genuine sentiments show that Rex Backhaus-Smith is one of Queensland's most celebrated and inspired artists. Having made the Sunshine Coast hinterland his home now for nearly ten years, there is plenty of inspiration from his everyday surrounds, but this has not curbed his curiosity to experience different parts of the world from Greece, Spain or Morocco to Bali, Thailand and Java and yet his greatest influence and love is the Outback. Rex's childhood and much of his life as a teacher was spent in Western Queensland and his fascination with the landscape, its creatures and history are the sources of many major works.
He brings to life characters, stories and his own experiences sometimes realistically and sometimes symbolically, but always creating a lasting image. Rex uses figures, wildlife and colour with a flow that entices the viewer through the story of each work to glean every detail and keep seeking more. His use of windows, bubbles or ghosting allows so many different facets of a scene or moment to be portrayed and therefore continue the fascination. Such a career is nigh on impossible to summarise; an artist who has had major exhibitions worldwide; who has had two books already written about him and been published in many more and has acquired and international following. Yet Rex Backhaus-Smith is one of nature's true gentlemen. His skills as an art tutor continue to be appreciated by many and his paintings admired by peers and public. For this is art from truly creative soul expressing all aspects of his life's experiences thus far.
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