人类的动物性，其实从未被克服过，它表现在我们的外表，也藏匿在我们内心，即使在开明的现代世界，领带、首饰等，其实都是人类动物性表现的一种延伸。同样的，这种象征也存在于概念物之间，如自然环境、意识形态、甚至呼吸生死之间，哲学家把这种性质称为律，生物学家称之为演化法则，在Neal Blacker的 明流暗处／In The depths系列作品当中，就以叙事的方式阐述了不论是生命物或概念物，他们不外乎亦是法则、抑制、和控制的产物。

这一系列作品都是源于艺术家旅居中国和亚洲的所见所闻，在中国和在他的出生地——澳洲北领地达尔文，动物的生存形态截然不同。正这一点，在绘画中，花鸟鱼虫非常吸引Neal，在生活社区的菜市场、食品超市、和公园里的那些动物形态，大量生死参杂的笼中之物，与栖息于澳洲大陆的野生动物，两者间的对比构成了艺术家的创作雏形。

这幅作品在明流暗处系列中属于相对比较浅显易懂的，其中并没超现实描述，也没有如 呼吸1 和呼吸2 当中生存与密集的紧张压迫感，整个态度是比较平静的，金鱼死后会浮上水面，翻白肚，在鱼群中显得更突出，这样的构图与明流暗处系列创作主题的搭配使得死亡在表象上处在了明处，然而生存才是那股暗流。

Neal Blacker born in Darwin, Australia and currently living in China creates contrast in his painting as he works with colours and composition. His works investigate the contrasts between his hometown and his life now while respecting the cultural significance animals have in China. Each piece of work features animals, like fish which stare out of the canvas at the viewer. This image conjures sights from the street where people walk by little shops where coolers overflow with water holding live fish that stare at passers-by. This is very different from how animals are treated in Blacker’s hometown, where they roam free. Having this sense of struggle makes people really stop and examine the works. This makes people realize the complexities of animals in Chinese culture.

Neal Blacker

生于澳大利亚北部达尔文市，杜若云章代理艺术家。曾于韩国学习格斗术，直至现在也是个人最大爱好之一，2010年移居中国，生活与工作在苏州。

“In the depths”, is an exhibition about the symbolism of control and restraint. Animal allegories are represented with laconic titles to create unusual narratives. The exaggerated forms, vibrant colours and diverse compositions create surreal imagery whilst conjuring preposterous mythological stories within the mind.

The works are originated by viewing animals from the various animal markets in Asia. I am fascinated by using the significance of animal motifs from Chinese art and culture in my work. The attitudes towards the animals in Asia is dramatically different from my home town, Northern Australia. In Asia, from what I observed in the pet shops, the supermarkets and the parks, was an abundance of alive or dead animals restricted in a limited space. On the contrary, animals could roam freely in Australia. Therefore I would like to express the results of ruling, restraining and domination through my artwork exhibiting real animals and mythological beasts.

Neal Blacker
Born and raised in Darwin, Northen Territory Australia.
Took martial art training in South Korea, which is now still one of his biggest hobbies.
Now working and living with in Suzhou.

Solo Shows

“In The Depths/明流暗处”, Je Fine Art Gallery Shanghai , China, October- December 2015
“Discrete and Unarranged”, FQ Art Room, Shanghai, China, 26th October - 2nd November 2012
“Manipulated”, Art Warehouse Gallery Northern Territory, Australia, 15th July – 30th July 2011

Group/ Collaborative Shows

“Cube 625”, 24hr Art Darwin, Australia, 24th October -7th November 2008
“Territory Gothic”, DVAA, Woods Street Gallery, Australia, 25th June –27th July 2008
“Take Away: Open Miniatures Art Show”, Territory Craft Gallery, Australia, 4th–16th April 2008
“Wet and Dry”, 24hr Art Darwin, Australia, 20th October- 3rd November 2007
“Gallery Phillip Neville 2005 Christmas Show” with Adam Cullen, Ben Quilty and Abbey McCulloch, Gallery Phillip Neville, Australia, 15th - 25th November 2005
“There’s No Place Like Home” with Rob Brown and Pip Hodge DVAA Woods Street gallery, Australia,16th- 26th November 2005
“Cusp”, NTU Gallery, Australia, 28th Nov - 7th Dec 2004
“Irregular Parts”, NTU Gallery, Australia, 14th -18th June 2004
“Works on Paper”, NTU Gallery, Australia, 27th-30th April 2004
“Works on Paper”, NTU Gallery, Australia, 17th -28th November, 2003
"Literary Reproductions", NTU Gallery, Australia, October 27th-31st 2003
"Chrysalis”, NTU Gallery, Australia, 20th May -30th May 2003
“Third Brain” collaborative show with Grace Hughes, NTU Gallery, Australia, 29th July- 2nd August 2002
Other Publications
Art and Australia magazine Vol. 40, no.1, Spring 2002

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