A Moment With Antony In Paradise

The moment Antony Hegarty enters the space, the energy in the room shifts. Becoming more self aware, we all focus harder on the works before us. Hegarty is serene and relaxed wearing a tracksuit and shoulder bag, sporadically sipping water. When a photographer approaches, he presents a strong physical form but then requests for only his face to be captured. This overheard self-conscious act exposes a timidness and vulnerability within his persona. Hegarty tenderly hugs friends amongst his artworks in an excitable and genuine manner.

Paradise is a visual art exhibition on display at The Arts Centre this Melbourne Festival. It is mostly collages and drawings by the artist and singer Antony Hegarty who performed his show, Swanlights to two sold out shows at Hamer Hall last weekend. 

In a rare moment when Hegarty is alone, this scribe approaches (nervous is an understatement.) Any initial jitters are immediately erased due to his incredibly soothing energy. When asked about his drawing technique, between childlike chuckle he says, “I don't really have any talent. I just scratch away.” Before leaving his immediate presence an overwhelming need to thank him for his breathtaking performance in Swanlights has to be uttered. This moment with Hegarty seems quite isolated even though it's in a crowded room.

The texture of Hegarty's untitled artworks are accentuated in the frames that don't press the works down but rather give them space to move. The use of ink evokes the presence of the artist's hand which brings a human element. The lighting in this exhibition is, as our photographer noted upon entry “very focused.” It was discovered that Hegarty had a large influence on the aforementioned gallery lighting.

One piece that grabs this viewer's eye is a black and white collage with a striking panel of gold paint. This contrast of colour magnifies the manifesto of beauty shinning within - and the possibility of it erupting even in bleak circumstances. Another notable piece has clearly been sketched on ripped out pages of a moleskin diary, this adds to the personal nature of the exhibition.

Antony Hegarty is able to zoom in to the deeply personal and intimate - with both his music and visual art. Allowing us to examine our greater world. For art to have this power is breathtaking, humbling and life affirming.

Paradise is part of Melbourne Festival and exhibiting at the Arts Centre Gallery One until Saturday 27 October.