Ep 38: William Mackinnon

William Mackinnon’s landscapes are at the same time familiar and unexpected. Car headlights illuminate a dark country road revealing improbable markings; a coastal scene viewed through a tangle of gums unveil pink and aqua islands in the distance; a suburban setting is dominated by a flattened brick path and geometrically striped grass verge.

He calls them ‘psychological landscapes’ which explore his environment and his response to it, using everyday imagery to evoke human experiences. Through his use of materials and colour he takes us into his mind’s eye. And it’s fascinating.

Like many artists before him he went through a period of learning and exploration in his twenties, working in jobs which exposed him to great art. He spent time working and studying in London but went on to work for two years in Australia’s remote communities facilitating the work of Aboriginal elders. It was this experience which ultimately led him to find his own voice as an artist – although not in the way you might expect. In this podcast episode he describes that experience. We also talk about how he became an artist and how he goes about a typical day’s work.

Mackinnon has exhibited in Australia regularly since he was 19, with over a dozen solo shows and many more group shows. His works are held in various private and public collections. His much anticipated solo show ‘Twin Palms’ opens at Jan Murphy Gallery on 27 February 2018.

To hear the podcast interview press ‘play’ below the feature photo.

Scroll down for two videos of Mackinnon on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel.

Feature photo – Mackinnon with his work ‘The World is as you are’, 2016, acrylic oil and enamel on linen, 212 x 317cm

Current and upcoming events

Solo show ‘Twin Palms’ at Jan Murphy Gallery, Brisbane, Qld, 27 February – 24 March 2018
Work included in ‘Triennial’, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, until 15 April 2018

Links to things and people we talk about on the show