[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rrwte09v9-w/U2_zg8XMfmI/AAAAAAAAERU/IH0Yfqj40Ls/s144-c-o/IMG_3505.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/LukeChiswellSStraightFace#6012291774847680098″ caption=”Luke Chiswell” type=”image” alt=”IMG_3505.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w300″ pe2_img_align=”right” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

Canberra artist Luke Chiswell is known for his T-shirt designs, which has gained a cult following both locally and overseas. This year, Luke conceived a unique exhibition featuring many incarnations of his iconic ‘Straight Face’, an abstract representation of a bestubbled face created with simple lines and negative space.

The pieces were upbeat, spontaneous and bold, and each had its own distinct personality. It’s the kind of art that would be right at home in a modern apartment or office; and evidently I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as many pieces were sold immediately.

The sentiment behind the works is even more interesting. The message is a positive and hopeful one, about ambition, self-doubt and the illusive feeling of achievement – things we struggle with every day, some motivating us and others hindering us.

Luke drew from his experience with designing ‘Straight Face’ in 2006. He explained that ‘Straight Face’ was a design he loved in that moment, but inevitably, like all artists do, he immediately became insecure and critical of his work. The feeling of satisfaction is ultimately fleeting. The ‘Straight Face’ exhibition was an exercise in transcending these very human but irrational constructs, by preserving that moment the artist was in love with his work and building on it.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOYyO1bf_NY/U2_zg7S3rlI/AAAAAAAAERI/KBvx34AH1RE/s144-c-o/IMG_3407.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/LukeChiswellSStraightFace#6012291774561103442″ caption=”Luke Chiswell’s Straight Face” type=”image” alt=”IMG_3407.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w614″ pe2_img_align=”center” pe2_caption=”1″ ]

“I really liked this design when I first drew it, and I knew that there must have been a reason for that, so I decided that this would be the thing I continue with”, Luke explained, “It’s about transcending the feelings of doubt”. The ‘Straight Face’ is a recurring element in all of Luke’s work.

There is something undeniably attractive about the ‘Straight Face’ itself, which, characteristic of Luke’s works, draws from the street art aesthetic. It’s a caricature that is devoid of expression and personality, but the faux-naïf and almost humorous style in which it is drawn imparts innocence and friendliness. It simply makes you smile to look at it.

the essentials

What: Luke Chiswell’s ‘Straight Face’ Exhibition
When: Showing until 15 May 2014 – now extended until 26 May!
Where: Nishi Gallery, 17 Kendall Lane, NewActon
Web:lukechiswell.com
More: Check out Canberra street style from the opening night here.