Larry Mitchell, one of Australia’s leading visual artists, is part of the Pilbara Project where his artworks feature the diverse landscapes of the outback region, Pilbara.

The Pilbara Project was first established by FORM Gallery in 2009. This was a project where they would bring artists, writers and photographers into the remote area, Pilbara, north of Western Australia to create works about that area. Larry Mitchell was one of the many talented individuals who went to the region to record his experiences with the area. He has by far created a collection of fifty paintings in 2010 and 2011 to map this remote region.

His Pilbara Exhibition consists of high calibre paintings set in a pristine art gallery at FORM. The paintings show a high standard, and it is evident a lot of work has been put into them. It is admirable how Larry Mitchell is able to use his paintings to cross the boundaries into realism.

From hills to endless horizons, the different landscape areas in Pilbara were portrayed on canvases in such a vivid and realistic manner that one may even mistake it for a real photograph from afar.

The beautiful landscapes are painted elaborately and draw a person’s attention to its rich, exquisite details of gradient, texture and colour. FORM Gallery also provides a spacious, well-lit art space and an exclusive catalogue with photographs for people who visit this solo exhibition.

This realistic quality which is the trademark of Mitchell’s paintings is able to bring us that much closer to the untouched nature of Pilbara. I was especially left with a deep impression with the Pilbara Island paintings where the water is painted so well, it feels like you are able to peer into the depths of the ocean.

This exhibition is now extended until June 8 2012 at FORM Gallery, so don’t miss this opportunity to see these outstanding artworks of Larry Mitchell.

Review and Photography by Louisa Ong View Album