Archive: Issue No. 83, July 2004

'Courage', John Roome's exhibition of watercolour paintings on handmade paper, is a classic example of bringing the worst art to the widest audiences. Papermaking is a passion that the artist has pursued, developed and taught over the past two decades. The paintings on this exhibition have been created in a similar slow and meditative way.

Simply, 'Courage' is the artist's attempt to boldly move towards his inner self, to chart an inward journey to a place occupied by nature and metaphysical concerns. Abandoning his exploration of the urban landscape and an overt concern with socio-political issues, the artist proclaims the decade as officially dead.

But will it lie down just yet? Are we not faced with unresolved issues of our urban and socio-political existence? Do we not need a follow-up from the same generation who raised those issues at the time when they were relevant?

'Courage' is not so much a failure for its content as it is for its execution. The inner journey Roome charts is blurred, an indication possibly of the creative vacuum in which he works. This is a dangerous and lonely place to be for any artist.

The botanical objects Roome depicts in monotonous primary colours stand on their own, well made but only speaking of the process by which they were made, which in itself seems to disrespect his chosen, but tricky medium.

Possibly Roome did not push his concept far enough. All we are left with are half-baked ideas and half-hearted resolutions that do not culminate in our understanding. By moving away from his exploration of urban landscapes and socio-political concerns, Roome has deliberately excluded us from his inward search. Standing in the gallery, I was overwhelmed by something I could not touch.

So, what does one make of this? Am I supposed to bring the gift of sense to this body of work, which, by filling the main gallery, shows some seriousness in its attempt to leave the viewer unsettled? Has Roome explored all the capabilities of his watercolour medium?

Standing in the main gallery I couldn't help but wonder if Roome's presentation might not have worked better if he had simply refined his idea more, possibly left some of the works unframed, or even omitted some of the pieces. On the face of what I saw, I was unconvinced.

Opens: 6pm, May 25
Closes: June 13