Frazer ‘paintings’

Press, 26 October 1989, Page 16

Frazer ‘paintings’

“Paintings” by Neil Frazer ait the Brooke/ Gifford Gallery until November 6. Reviewed by Pat Unger. In a tantalising and spectacular exhibition of pure painting, Neil Frazer displays his virtuosity with viscosity. Oil paint has seldom had it so good. It is used to fashion oleaginous surfaces which capture, through paint’s pliability, cadence of rhythm and flow of movement. Unlike a previous exhibition of large works in the C.S.A. that overwhelmed gallery space and viewer alike with their cacophony of

colour and architectural constructs, these are big but private visions. Heavenly and earthly events are exposed on pigment-textured and to-nally-controlled canvases which require more intimate contemplation. Invisible atmospheric forces, such as high and low pressure systems chasing occluded fronts, are given tangible presence in “Journey.” “Orion Sisters” may well be a bionic glimpse of the birth (or collapse) of a star, or perhaps of heaving molten volcanic. lava, in intense orange, red and black. “Blue Shift” suggests some galactic,

spiralling phenomena in space. Frazer brushes, pulls, primps, peaks and flicks his paint in a feast of clever innovation. He captures the physical property of paint’s innate mobility and harnesses to it the seductive beauty of slimy, glowing surfaces and concept-evoking sensations. Without reference to popular theoretical texts to justify aesthetic decisions, Frazer’s works give visual pleasure. His control of paint’s materiality and its ability to inspire both imaginative and effective responses is masterly.