Rolling Around After Matisse

Indeed a big inspiration for the compositional design of this piece was Matisse's two large circular dance paintings. 'Dance I' 1909, MOMA collection, and 'Dance II' 1910, Hermitage Museum, Russia.  

Like Matisse's paintings the figures in mine are also anonymous (they could be anyone) however the reference material I used to paint them came from a series of photographs of myself rolling around on the ground.  However  it is not a self portrait, as there is no detail in the faces, the original photographs were simply used as a guide for the body position and posture.  

Also, like Matisse I have chosen to paint the figures simply in broad brushstrokes of raw umber, untinted titanium white, light magenta and a touch of paynes grey for the shadows.  Painted in acrylic on raw canvas, the painting exudes a warm glow.  

Unlike Matisse's two dance paintings, the figures in my composition are recumbent (rolling around on the ground, or floating in space), with one figure in the centre of the circle, not isolated, but still connected to the other figures, and compositionally in dialogue with the other figures.  

I wanted to suggest a sense of the dynamics of the human body in motion and in relation only to itself, hence to blank, raw canvas background.  

Adrian Bradbury, 2026

Consider this captivating piece to add a splash of color and artistic intrigue to your home. Its expressive nature makes it a wonderful focal point for any room seeking a touch of playful elegance and artistic flair. Discover the captivating dance within this unique creation.

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Adrian Bradbury holds a Master of Fine Art (University of Tasmania, 2022), an Honours degree in Painting (University of Tasmania, 2018), a Bachelor of Health Science (Victoria University, 2008), and a Diploma of Visual Arts (RMIT, 2003)

Bradbury has twice been a finalist in the Waterhouse Natural Science art prize, 2018 and 2016.
His work has featured in Lume, White Horses, The Mercury, The Examiner, The Advocate, and on set of The Gloaming.

Solo exhibition venues include Colville Gallery, Hobart, TAS, Moonah Arts Centre, Moonah, TAS, Schoolhouse Gallery, Rosny, TAS, Maker's Space Gallery, Burnie, TAS, Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart, TAS, Stillwater Gallery, Launceston, TAS, Sawtooth, Launceston TAS, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy, VIC and Dark Horse Experiment, Melbourne, VIC.

​Bradbury is represented by Colville Gallery, Hobart, TAS.