Social Distance, This Is No Fantasy Melbourne 2020

When Kevin Chin started this series, he was thinking about how our purportedly globally interconnected world can at times be isolating, and how we find solace in our increasingly urban life.

As the series developed, the introduction of social distancing brought new significance. Kevin’s signature mastery of colour conveys the cheerfulness in making the best of testing circumstances. He finds a sublime stillness, to capture the complex mood of this time.

Amidst the tightening of national borders, Kevin mixes cultural references from Australia, Asia and America to show how great distances can be overcome by imagination. His surprising compositions combine urban and natural landscapes, to reflect the growing awareness of how our environmental impact comes back to us in turn.

The quiet optimism of these paintings is disarming. They mark this unique time in world events, a heartening reminder that distance is merely a state of mind. This exhibition is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and is also supported by City of Yarra.

Apart Together
Oil on Italian linen
108 x 159 cm

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Green Spaces, collection of Australian Parliament House
Oil on Italian linen
113 x 174 cm

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Off Track
Oil on Italian linen
113 x 174 cm

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Jungle - Finalist in the R&M McGivern Prize 2019, Maroondah Federation Gallery Melbourne
Oil on Italian linen
98 x 148 cm

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The Call
Oil on Italian linen
98 x 148 cm

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Leave your shoes outside
Oil on Italian linen
98 x 142 cm

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