The work in “Cowboys and Other Stories” was primarily spawned from lockdowns, through a combination of online life drawing sessions and lack of easily accessible traditional materials. Art stores were closed, but you could walk into Bunnings and Officeworks.
These drawings play with masculinity and challenge what that means in the process of making art. The homoerotic subjects are portrayed using materials that are found in typically heteronormative spaces (fibreglass fly screen and bricklayers line, and needles used in sail making).
The characters are in limbo, part of a larger story that the viewer is not exposed to, but are encouraged to make their own assumptions about.
Ian views the works as a love letter to the last few years and a positive to come out of what we all experienced.
Ian James Scott (he/him) is a Melbourne based artist, originally from Sydney. He lives in Richmond with his studio assistant, Marcelle. Ian studied at the National Art School in Sydney, and works in drawing, printmaking, bookmaking and sculpture.
Ian will be creating a new work in the gallery during the show and would love you to join him to watch its progress.