Jack MacRae – Hard edge landscapes and colorfield paintings
Hello Jack, please introduce yourself
My name is Jack MacRae, from the Sunshine Coast Australia. I like hard edges, architecture and techno. I primarily work in colourfield and hard edge paintings and hand cut paper collages.
Your art and you – how did it all start?
I started making collages after studying about Peter Eisenman and autonomy architecture. His processes for house design inspired me. I also went to lots of raves and was just inspired by colour and the modern art at these raves.
Where are you currently on your artistic journey?
I am just getting started, with so many more ideas to paint and collage. And so many new destinations to visit for my landscapes and so many things to inspire me, to keep progressing.
How do you define your personal style?
My style is very colourfield and minimalist orientated. It is also very process orientated. I’m using form to create something flat with an element of depth, ranging from hand cutting collages, to pallet knifing, painting and other forms during the process.
And what do you particularly like about minimalism and colourfield painting?
Hard Edge / minimalist / colourfield painting: Because I really like cartoons. I want to create art that is strong, with depth, timeless and able to achieve what I want with the least amount of colours and detail.
Do you also work in other fields?
I fluctuate between working as an artist and working within the architecture field. Architecture & design is an important part of what I do.
Your motto
Always learn and keep going forward. Never stop trying new things! And go to do the things you love.
How do galleries see your art?
It is different.
Where do you prefer to paint?
At home in my studio or away at an art residency – head phones on and outside world blocked. I used to paint in my tiny bedroom by the beach. Canvas stacked to the wall, paint and coloured paper everywhere.
Artists who inspire you?
Thomas Trum – his process is different and his works are amazing. Very modern. Etel Adnan – Her pallet knifing skills, colour choice and composition are amazing. Here work isn’t so literally, more symbolic and meaningful. Max Berry – best painter out there! There are so many to name!
What would you like to work on right now?
Right now? To do art for Garbicz Festival in Poland! Or keep working with Mon Abris!
What would you do different today?
Maybe go to art school. Learn to paint! And study art theories.
Do you sometimes have to motivate yourself to pick up the brush?
Not really! I am always keen to paint. It is the best release. Yoga for the brain.
Which of your own pieces do you like best?
Not sure! Maybe “Cool Down, stop Acting Crazy” (paintings). I am so into creating them at the moment. Choosing which colours will work for it. I did 100 A4 collages and stuck them up on a wall to create one large artwork. It was then paired with a light show for a party and that was wild.
Do you work with other artists or do you exhibit with a gallery?
With other artists: Not yet! Exhibiting: Yes, currently exhibiting with Aster + Asha, and Mon Abris.
Final statement
I am not sure where to go with this, but – bodysurfing. I love bodysurfing so much. It is the closest you can get to nature – period. Go try it!
Many thanks, Jack.
Jack MacRae ★ Artist resume
Accredations Bachelor of Design – Architecture Queensland University of Technology QUT Masters of Architecture Queensland University Of Technology QUT Representation Aster + Asha Gallery Mon Abri Shows / Projects 2021 – Brusnwick St Gallery – ‘Boja’ (postponed) – Mon_Abris 3.0 – Sunshine Coast Council – Howard St Wall Project, Nambour – Thomas Bexon Gallery – ‘Slacktide’ (solo show) – 40-under-40 – Runner up art prize 2020 – thefield.MBAH (M.Arts Precinct) – Bunker 2019 – MonAbris 1.0 – Brisbane Surf Film Festival – Feature Artist – Sunshine Coast Surf Film Festival – Awarded Prize Residencies The Honeypot – Amsterdam, The Netherlands NES Studio – Skagastrond, Iceland thefield.MBAH (M.Arts Precinct) – Murwillumbah, NSW Collections The Clock Hotel – Sydney, NSW QLD Government – Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Services QLD Government – Metro North Health Stars Mon Abris ‘The Archive’
Instagram: @hell_ripper_boy_jack
Tumblr: aint-it-j.tumblr.com
