Brisbane International Film Festival 2019 presented Quilty: Painting the Shadows, which was a well constructed documentary that touches on the story of Ben Quilty as an artist. Another great element to the film is that it also complements the Quilty exhibition at GOMA, running until the 13th of October, rather nicely. The film captures the elements that make up Quilty as not only a person but a contemporary artist and the audience gets a glimpse into Quilty’s inner world.
Quilty: Painting the Shadows, directed by Catherine Hunter, portrays the artistic journey of an Australian contemporary artist but also demonstrates the intricate layers between Quilty’s artwork and the wider community. Quilty continuously goes above and beyond with his artwork to portray realities, as ugly as they are, to prove a point to society. Quilty has touched on many themes within his work, from the injustices experienced by Indigenous communities to the hardship of Australian soldiers being sent to war that witness horrible acts of violence and must come to terms with this as human beings.
Quilty doesn’t take matters to the heart lightly. It is evident in the way that he paints, be it landscapes or portraits, that there is an undeniable roughness to the work but not in an unpleasant way. The way Quilty uses texture is demonstrated in the documentary, and the audience gets to witness Quilty squeezing mountains of contrasting coloured paint and layering the goo onto myriad canvases. This is a satisfying aspect to Quilty’s artwork, that it is free in it’s own right to express what it needs to express, and this is why Quilty takes on these bold and masculine themes and conveys them through his painting style.
The film itself is like a journey of Quilly young to old and it demonstrates how he has allowed the world to impact him and vice versa. From early childhood inspirations of drawing dragons on the ceiling to developing an understanding of the world, Quilty always has something worthwhile to say. He documents not only his raw emotion on the canvas but reflects on tragedies and issues other artists wouldn’t dare go near. Controversial in nature, but honest and fair - Quilty is one of a kind as a contemporary artist in modern society.
This film helps understand who he is at his core but also allows viewers who know nothing of him, a way in. His work with the Indigenous community, connecting and understanding their history is a very important part of his work. After permission was received from Aunty Sue Blacklock, Quilty began painting landscapes, that solemnly reflect on the Myall Creek massacre of Indigenous people. One of the most powerful moments of the film is when Aunty Sue Blacklock views Quilty’s grand landscape and gets to take a moment to sink in how he has chosen to reflect this piece of history.
Quilty: Painting the Shadows is worth a watch for many reasons. Not only is it truthful in portraying Ben Quilty as a person and as an artist but it’s also truthful in portraying society, and does so by holding a mirror up to the common Australian and asking what they see. Catch this terrific documentary at the Brisbane International Film Festival 2019, and keep an eye out for future screenings as this film is one to recommend to friends and family, and bring them all along to.
Thu 10 Oct
10:30am - 57mins
Australian Cinémathèque GOMA
Sat 12 Oct
04:00pm - 87mins
Australian Cinémathèque GOMA
Plus IN CONVERSATION + FILM: Quilty: Painting the Shadows
Promotional Image: Daniel Boud
Review: Joanna Letic