DARRYN GEORGE

Darryn George's new collection, Register, continues George's study in symbols as well as systems of filing and data collection. The new works are simplistic but bear reference to clipboards and card catalogue systems, as well as illustrating George's interest in playing matte and high-gloss finishes off against each other.

In addition to George's study of symbols and systems, is his interest in religion and spiritual ideas. Inspired by works of the same subject matter by European masters such as Michelangelo, George's Register series presents the viewer with a simplified and contemporary representation of the book of salvation mentioned in Revelation of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. The 'Lambs book of Life' records all of those that live eternally in Heaven with God; their names, listed roll-call style, can never be erased.

George's high-gloss black finish is perfected by using automotive paint and polyurethanes, many of the works reflect the image of the viewer back out into a gallery space. George explains that the use of reflection is a strategy that parallels the way in which Renaissance patrons were inserted into religious scenes in order to demonstrate the potency of their faith and in an effort to increase their chances of salvation. The technique encourages the viewer to reflect on his own life while simultaneously becoming a subject of the work in front of him.