Colin Pennock – Modern Recluse

Known for his production of emotionally driven landscapes, Irish-born artist Colin Pennock presents a new sequence of vigorous paintings to be on show at Arthouse gallery.

Pennock’s latest works come with an immense link to the sensationalism and dissemination that the major news corporations thrive on, and the vulnerability that the artist is feeling within a world that he is struggling to comprehend.

“There’s some recent events that have guided my latest work. We’ve had a bit of loss with loved ones recently. I’m only using what’s vital because I feel that reflects my mood and how important the essential people in your life are,” Pennock explained.

Not driven by money or success, Pennock’s ambition has always been to have freedom, something that he has achieved with his current setup in the Noosa Hinterlands, which is attainment in itself.

“There’s lots of negatives of being an artist. But one of the positives is that you can work where you want as long as you’re able to send work to the galleries.”

Whilst his contemporary surroundings are a big influence, Pennock admits that he always needs to look back in order to move forward with his work.

“There’s a continuity in how I make work. There’s a mixture of what you’ve experienced in the past and what you’re surrounded by now.”

Pennock’s outlook on life and his current feelings go a long way to explaining the name given to his latest body of work, Modern Recluse.

“I feel like I want to reflect on the beauty of life, and I have to get away from it to do that.” (AH)

Apr 28–May 14. Tues–Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst. Info: arthousegallery.com.au

BY ANDREW HODGSON