Bolton is a large colourful abstract artwork in Graham’s reform series, where Graham has embraced bold linear shapes with special attention to the balance of colours and relationships of the shapes.
Graham’s reform series is based on architectural design from various locations around his home in Sydney Australia. He composes these works in various dimensions where some sections of the painting may be topographical, while other section may be enhanced minor details. The subject matter is not necessary to appreciate the artworks, which are large colour filed abstract structural designs. Graham attempts to evoke a level of contradiction in the reform series where the artwork may initially appear “neat” yet due to the painterly manner of paint application, they are not necessarily neat. The artworks in the series may also appear as simple blocks of colour, yet upon closer examination, the viewer will see underpainting details, and fine lines and redactions, which add complexity.
Graham intends to present a level of industrial design and feel. Many of his subjects in the reform series are older building such as industrial building, garages, and workshops. There is something authentic and real about these older buildings, and that level of evolution and devolution is relayed in Graham's work. Graham draws inspiration artistically from renowned artists such as Diebenkorn, Rothko, and Mondrian.
Bolton has been continued over onto the sides which adds another dimension to the artwork, and also means it does not need to be framed. Graham has signed the painting and finished it off with several layers of matte varnish coat to highlight the colours, and to protect the painting.
Bolton has been painted on custom made artist-grade 120cm x 90xm Victorian Ash stretchers on 100% polyester canvas. The above photos present Bolton in a home setting, though it would work equally well in an office environment.