Coast atmosphere evoked

Press, 20 July 1977, Page 15

Coast atmosphere evoked

David Cowie, North West Coast Panels, C.S.A. Gallery until July 26. Reviewer: Michael Thomas.

The atmosphere of the West Coast is evoked by David Cowie in his exhibition at the C.S.A. Gallery. Apart from the 55 collages which line the walls, there are tree ferns from the bush, old iron relics, and three projectors showing West Coast scenes continuously to a background of tape recorded music. With titles like “Whisky and Milk’’ and “The Three Graces that Nearly Slipped on a Banana Skin,” the collages could hardly be dull. They look like a mixture of graffiti — the type seen on any public wall — and art. Their unusual appearance will attract even the casual passer-by.

Many works are made up of an assortment of photographs arranged on geometric shapes which are cut from board and make a relief pattern. The photo-collage is stuck to these surfaces, and the spaces in between are painted black. Circles, repeated triangles forming zig-zags, and regular patterns make the basic structure of the composition. This geometric element is combined successfully with the more “haphazard” graphics. Each piece however is very “busy.” Photographic images, labels, paint squeezed like toothpaste from the tube, and written words, all compete for attention; few pieces are aesthetically resolved. The study of any one work reveals few clues which enable the onlooker to understand the specific meaning behind it. Each exhibits very much the personal expression of David Cowie.

The exhibition is lively and full of ideas. It is visually exciting, at times humorous, and certainly different.