Collection: James Bonnici - Obstruct

Obstruct is an exhibition of paintings and drawings by James Bonnici which seeks to subvert how we view the physical world.

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7, from 5pm – 10pm. Free entry. Bonnici will be in attendance.

This exhibition runs from March 8th to March 25th, concurrently with Miniature Art, a group exhibition of miniaturists.

By distorting, exaggerating, juxtaposing and manipulating everyday objects and figures, Bonnici transforms familiar and recognisable forms into unsettling imagery. Through this process, the ordinary is imbued with a sense of rupture, evoking a strange and otherworldly quality.

James Bonnici is a contemporary artist based in Melbourne, Victoria, working in the tradition of oil painting and charcoal drawing. Since graduating with a degree in fine arts at RMIT, Bonnici has held over 40 solo and group exhibitions and held artist residencies at River Studios and Blender Studios.
Most recently, Bonnici’s work was selected as a finalist for the Paul Guest Prize at The Bendigo Art Gallery and the Lyn McCrae Drawing Prize at the Noosa Regional Gallery.

In addition to his contemporary art practice, Bonnici has worked as an Illustrator and animator on various projects, including Sunny Leunig’s Book of Uninspiring Quotes, and he designed the cover of Kent McCarter’s book of poetry Sputnik’s Cousin. He has also contributed to numerous public art projects and community workshops with the Blender Studios team.

Finally, he has been part of the education community at Melbourne Grammar School for the past five years, where he shares his drawing and painting knowledge with students of all ages.