Bridgette McNab x Kim Leutwyler Exhibition
It’s not often Bluethumb takes its online presence physical; so when it does, it’s for something exceptional. As finalists in a number of Australia’s most-respected art prizes, including the Archibald Prize, two of Bluethumb’s most celebrated portrait artists Kim Leutwyler and Bridgette McNab are just that – exceptional. To celebrate their achievements, a selection of recent works by Kim and Bridgette took centre stage in Bluethumb HQ last week, and were admired and marvelled by many!
Did you know that June by Bridgette McNab is the cover girl of our new artist catalogue?
Graphic still life and portrait painter Bridgette McNab is known for unpacking the enduring dialogue between painting and cinema that resounds with the language of illusion. Through a mis-en-scene approach to painting, Bridgette forges fictional realities that combine tradition in art with contemporary popular culture. Bridgette has been featured in this quarter’s Artist Profile magazine, of which those who attended received a complimentary copy signed by the artist herself! Some of her most celebrated works on Bluethumb, including Kate, Hattie and June were featured in the exhibition, allowing art aficionados to come face-to-face with Bridgette’s girls of portraiture.
Bridgette McNab’s work became a focal point for conversation on the exhibition opening night
Beauty, gender and queer-identity are common themes in Kim Leutwyler’s current work. The primarily masculine history of painting in western art has encouraged her to focus on it as her chosen medium, using the modernist painting field as a means of destabilising gender borders, just as those prominent in the queer community have done in the decades before. Several pieces which have been exhibited in multiple galleries throughout the United States and Australia found their way to Melbourne for this special event, including Kim’s Archibald portrait, Heyman, which was fresh off tour.
Bright, bold, beautiful: The subjects of Kim Leutwyler‘s work frequently push social boundaries
Amidst the wine and cheeseboards of the opening night, artists and art enthusiasts could meet Bridgette and the faces behind Bluethumb, salute the success of Kim and Bridgette, and be in the chance of winning a set of bed sheets (valued at $320 each) by Koala, who make quality furniture for the digital age. Congratulations to the two lucky guests!
Even the complimentary cheeseboards were works of art!
Missed your chance to join us at the exhibition? Due to popular demand, the artworks will take residence at Bluethumb HQ over the next couple of weeks. Write in to our team to secure a time to see these pieces for yourself at help@bluethumb.com.au – don’t let the chance pass you by!
