In can we be together a series of white works inhabit the space of the gallery. The works are uniform in their whiteness but are not a peaceful ensemble, they are not simple, clean and neutral as the colour association might suggest, but instead are conflicted in their nature and at odds with themselves. There are opposing forces at work here – the mirrors are painted white and their reflective surface fragmented; the neon tubes are melted and distorted; the inflatable ball is flattened by a mirror ball whose reflective quality is muted by white spray paint. Similarly the only colour works in the exhibition (set in the separate rear space of the gallery) are an unlikely pair – two small yellow works with contrasting colour values.
The works are related yet their conflicted nature precludes a clear connection – is estrangement the only possible outcome?

Brendan wishes to thank Consuelo Cavaniglia and George Aitken at Write Light Neon for their invaluable assistance in this project.

Brendan Van Hek has been selected as the West Australian artist to be represented in the prestigious Tarrawarra Contemporary Exhibition 2010 at the Tarrawarra Museum of Art, Tarrawarra, Victoria in August of this year.