Chris Gollon
Figure with Key (Road to Narragonia series), 1996
mixed media on panel, circa 1996.
72 x 24 in
182.9 x 61 cm
182.9 x 61 cm
Copyright The Artist
In late 1995, Chris Gollon began his first series of works on a single theme 'On The Road to Narragonia', looking at human folly. This painting also contains Gollon's hallmark...
In late 1995, Chris Gollon began his first series of works on a single theme 'On The Road to Narragonia', looking at human folly. This painting also contains Gollon's hallmark sun shining black light in the background. This early figure began a strand that would continue in all Gollon's work; androgynous figures which seem to depict a common humanity. Writer Sara Maitland describes this well in the documentary 'CHRIS GOLLON: Life in paint' (2024). In this case Gollon's figure is wearing a paper crown, seemingly unaware of the giant key which might be the key to wisdom, to life, or to salvation.
Fellini's films with litter often blowing everywhere were also an inspiration for the series. Yet instead of litter, Gollon has mysterious playing cards descending about his figures, perhaps hinting at the cards we're dealt in life, which we have the choice to keep, to ignore, or to risk.
This work is reproduced in the first exhibition catalogue on the series and includes a text by art historian Mary Rose Beaumont (Published by IAP Fine Art, 1997). Mary Rose Beaumont discusses Gollon's Narragonia series in the documentary, in which this painting features. It is also reproduced in art historian Tamsin Pickeral's book 'CHRIS GOLLON: Humanity in Art' (Hyde & Hughes, 2010).
Fellini's films with litter often blowing everywhere were also an inspiration for the series. Yet instead of litter, Gollon has mysterious playing cards descending about his figures, perhaps hinting at the cards we're dealt in life, which we have the choice to keep, to ignore, or to risk.
This work is reproduced in the first exhibition catalogue on the series and includes a text by art historian Mary Rose Beaumont (Published by IAP Fine Art, 1997). Mary Rose Beaumont discusses Gollon's Narragonia series in the documentary, in which this painting features. It is also reproduced in art historian Tamsin Pickeral's book 'CHRIS GOLLON: Humanity in Art' (Hyde & Hughes, 2010).