‘‘Against Nature’’, Harry Watson
(Milford Galleries, Queenstown)
HARRY WATSON’S art is full of character, puzzles and countless thoughtprovoking details. Fantastical creatures do seemingly impossible things in Watson’s dreamlike works. He blends the familiar with the bizarre, the real with the imaginative, and often you aren’t quite sure what story you’re being drawn into, but the result is so fascinating that you go along with it regardless.
Many of his pieces have an ominous, unsettling effect, enhanced rather than offset by the quirkiness of his style. Figures toil in scenes of apparent chaos, smiles are sardonic rather than joyful, and skull imagery creates tension and uncertainty. The intricate wooden frames and carvings that enclose the painted imagery are testament to Watson’s experience with cabinetmaking, but also emphasise a fascination with medieval religious paintings and altarpieces. The grandeur of the frames contrasts with the fine lines and delicate brushstrokes in the surreal narratives.
Watson’s concern with darker events of the past and his exploration into the colonial history of New Zealand features strongly in his work, with many pieces incorporating historical figures, symbols, and both native and introduced flora and fauna. There seems to be a reflection on the lasting impact of decisions made and actions taken long ago, and perhaps, the mistakes and prejudices that are continuously repeated.