Hamish Fleming

Adelaide-based painter Hamish Fleming blends the unlikely combination of grunge aesthetics and classical realism, creating a distinctive style that merges the raw with the refined. Driven by a fundamental curiosity and an obsessive pursuit of understanding, Fleming often focuses on unremarkable aspects of contemporary life, capturing scenes and objects that are usually overlooked. His work frequently explores subtle juxtapositions, creating an intriguing tension between the familiar and the unexpected.

Despite his contemporary subject matter, Fleming approaches his art with a deep respect for tradition. He works exclusively from life, rejecting reference photos and digital aids, and even makes much of his own paint from raw pigments. This hands-on process reflects his blunt artistic demeanor, rooted in a desire to understand the inherent qualities of both materials and subjects. He embraces what is present, rather than seeking idealized representations.

The result is a series of paintings that exude a palpable atmosphere, drawing the viewer in with gritty yet harmonious details. The works invite deeper reflection, encouraging viewers to lose themselves in the subtle complexities of everyday life, captured through Fleming's unique lens.