Xav Tin is an artist whose natural inclination is to paint portraits and like many artists, he is constantly searching for a unique expression of his craft. His messy Bali studio, often frowned upon by those closest to him, is where many of his creations originate. Not having gone through formal art education, his evolving style is partly influenced by his degree in design at Curtin University and constant experimentation at his easel.
His current exhibition is inspired by music greats. He immerses himself in the music of the subject while painting and it is their distinctive brilliance that often guides his choice of composition, colours and strokes. It is Tom Wait’s gravelly voice that provides the inspiration for the painting knife strokes and Miles Davis’ freedom of musical expression in his late career that is captured by the random and wild aesthetic of his latest portrait. This process ensures that each portrait is as unique as the subject.
March 2017
