B. New Zealand, 1971
Dan moved to Queensland after a childhood living and travelling through Europe and Africa. He studied Architectural Technology and Business Management after graduating from High School. Then in 1994 he went back to University and took a life drawing elective as part of a BA in psychology. Subsequently he decided to pursue his true passion and switched to a B.A. in Visual Arts from Griffith University. An eclectic mix of part time occupations whilst studying ensued. From photographic retouch artistry, screen-printing and house painting and to cabinet making and skateboard manufacturing. Dan has always found himself creating in one capacity or another.
A kinetic fusion of all these forces that Dan has nurtured, brings to the surface work that reflects his intrigue with the human condition and our place within both natural and manufactured environments.
Mason's work captures the kind of movement and energy that is best appreciated in the flesh. Luscious oils are interjected by the movement of spray paint, while acrylics and enamels repel and simultaneously find a harmonious balance within each other’s presence. His work utilises dramatic, free-flowing brushstrokes; paint pours, swirls, plays with differing levels of opacity and often finds greater resolution by scraping paint away from the surface than applying it.
He has exhibited in many solo and group shows across Australia and his work is in collections in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and the USA. Dan has also been a finalist in various art prizes including The Churchie Emerging Art Prize and The Cancer Council of Victoria Art Prize.
“As humans, we are constantly encroaching on and consuming the natural world around us. The need for sustainable balance within this human sprawl is more evident at this time, than ever before. I am intrigued by the substructures and layered complexities that affect our growth as custodians of this planet. My work draws inspiration through observing these layers – The rust breaking through the back of a trucks tail gate or the paper peeling from an advertising billboard are analogies, as I see the, for restoring some ‘organic’ harmony to our beautiful planet.”
— Dan Mason
