Miles Hall | GRAPHEMISM

GRAPHEMISM Miles Hall 20 July – 7 August, 2022

Graphemism (neologism): originating from the greek GRAPHIA (γραφία) “to draw, write, describe, record” and PHEME (ϕάναι) “to speak”.

In the early 16th century, a tree was blown over in a storm in the Borrowdale region of Cumberland, England. Beneath its roots,

an unfamiliar, soft grey-black rock was found. Fascinated by its

slightly greasy metallic-grey permanence, the local farmers started using the rock to mark and identify their sheep. Centuries later

the mineral substance would be synonymous with the history of drawing and visual thought. Subsequently termed ‘graphite’ in

1789 by the German scientist Abraham Gottlob, after the greek

word γραφειν (graphia) “to write”, this soft mineral became the cornerstone of the pencil. Interestingly, graphite also occurs in meteorites.

Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered and forms the basis for these new paintings. Its etymological ties to the history of drawing and writing confer the medium with a cultural significance that I

have attempted to celebrate - notably the impulse to trace and elucidate existence through line.

Combining mineral, vegetable and animal, the graphite pigment

is held in a medium of linseed oil and natural beeswax producing a paint rich in expressive potential. Using a range of both linen

and aluminium supports, the works evolve from an active dialogue between material, gesture and surface. Paint is not considered

as passive matter but an active element – its inherent properties contribute to the development and emergence of both form and content.

The use of line is central to the development of these paintings,

specifically an open line that evokes elements of the natural world,

growth and the enigma of creation. While the lines have an urge towards figuration, I aim to accentuate their abstract, tactile

dimension – creating a union between the physical and pictorial experience of painting.

In addition to graphite, I have employed mica crystal glazes along with gold and silver pigments for chromatic impact. Depending

on their relation to space, architecture, light and the observer, the surface of the works change considerably and aim to celebrate

the physical dimension of painting in a dematerialised, digitalized world.

— Miles Hall

GRAPHEMISM // AURIFEROUS HEATH, 2022 Graphite & gold pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // OVER THE DEAD LEAVES, 2022 Graphite & gold pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // GREEN MILK, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // STELLAR BLUE, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // ROYAL VIOLET, 2022 Graphite, gold & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // LIQUID EVENING, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 120cm $7,200

GRAPHEMISM // AMONGST ROCK AND WATER, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 150 x 150cm $7,700

GRAPHEMISM // NOCTURNAL ELEGANCE, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 90 x 90cm $3,600

GRAPHEMISM // DAMP EARTH, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 90 x 90cm $3,600

GRAPHEMISM // TWILIGHT GARDEN, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 50 x 50cm $2,600

GRAPHEMISM // CREPESCULE, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 50 x 50cm $2,600

GRAPHEMISM // PENUMBRA GREEN, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 30 x 30cm $1,800

GRAPHEMISM // DAMP EARTH II, 2022 Graphite & mica crystal pigment with oil & beeswax on Belgian linen 30 x 30cm $1,800

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION I, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION II, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

$2,200

$2,200

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION III, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION IV, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

$2,200

$2,200

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION V, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION VI, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

$2,200

$2,200

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION VII, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

GRAPHEMISM // FORMATION VIII, 2022 Graphite pigment with oil & beeswax on anodised aluminium panel 46 x 36cm

$2,200

$2,200

54 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe QLD 4005 info@janmantonart.com janmantonart.com 0419 657 768 Front Cover and Back Cover Image: GRAPHEMISM // GREEN MILK (detail)

Gallery Director Jan Manton Gallery Manager Embie Tan Aren