Paul Zika

Research is concerned with a radical new space in painting beyond the Modernist figure/ground relationship, in which decoration attains it's own assertive status beyond embellishment. This studio based practice involves an analysis of ornate architectural systems and a reconfiguring of selected decorative detail - the principal sources are Baroque ornament, Rococo decorative arts and Modernismo decoration.The constructed paintings evolve through a layering of elaborate decorative elements which are cut, painted and assembled.

A series of"Cornucopia" paintings are to be exhibited in Melbourne in late 2000. A related paper "The Topography of Decoration" was delivered at the "Changing Geographies:Australia and the Millenium" at Barcelona University in February 2000. I was also involved in researching and curating the exhibition "Death and Decoration" for the Plimsoll Gallery in July 2000 with the assistance of an Exhibition Development Fund Grant

More information on www.artschool.utas.edu.au/staff/PaulZika

Paul Zika

Head of Painting

Chair, Plimsoll Gallery Committee