Garden, as the name suggests, is a space for resting, viewing, and planting, experiencing the natural scenery surrounded by green grass and floral fragrance. This is also the theme of the first solo exhibition in Hong Kong by New Zealand artist Brad Donovan – “Green Fingers”, depicting his beautiful memories in gardens and lawns.
New Zealand artist Brad Donovan
Brad Donovan (b.1990), born in the North Island of New Zealand, has been passionate about illustration since childhood. He often drew in sketchbooks and on scrap wood, using tools from his father’s abandoned workshop to carve figures, showcasing his innate artistic talent. Brad definitely started his art career earlier than most people – he began selling his artwork to classmates while still in school.
He is deeply influenced by 90s manga and classic masterpieces, and his work is also filled with his own growth experiences. Brad’s work uniquely showcases a fusion of Baroque and Renaissance styles with cute, surrealistic elements, and contemporary art elements. What’s even more special is that he consistently maintains a unique and distinctive feature in his work – the whimsical, stylish 90s round-eyed cartoon characters he paints on his bedroom window for practice; and these characters are usually celebrities or created based on his imagination.
Beneath the vibrant composition, bright colors, and joyful characters, if you look closely, you will discover some stories that cleverly evoke people’s emotions, or even elements that extend a sense of tension, mystery, and unease.
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“Green Fingers”
This time, Brad created about 18 unique paintings for Hong Kong’s first solo exhibition, expressing nostalgia for the beautiful moments that happened in gardens and lawns.
Brad also specially created a limited edition sculpture named “Tony”, which, in line with the theme, features the appearance of a small farmer, making it very interesting.
He said: “A garden is a sacred place for some people. No matter the size, as long as you can spend time with loved ones, any time spent in any garden is not wasted. I am fortunate to have grown up in the company of vast gardens, trees, and lawns. Taking care of a garden is like painting, it requires a lot of time, love, and effort, but can bring a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.”
How long has it been since you, in your busy life, visited a garden? Why not come here and enjoy the garden with Brad?
Green Fingers | Brad Donovan Exhibition
Date: July 6, 2024 – August 15, 2024
Time: 12:00-19:00
Location: NO IDEA GALLERY
Address: Unit 1703, Hullett House, 1 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong (opposite Tai Kwun)
