Natural history provides inspiration for Enmore artist

A change of season is nearly upon us – and Enmore-based local artist Dominic Proust is looking to kick off autumn in memorable style, with the launch of his first solo illustration exhibition at the Pine Street Creative Arts Centre in Chippendale taking place on March 1.

According to Proust, the illustrations are inspired by the concept of the ‘cabinet of curiosities’, which gained prominence throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.

“It is something that rather wealthy eccentrics would have – dried animals, prints and objects brought back from overseas expeditions, all on display,” he said. “A sailor might make a ‘mermaid’ out of a stuffed monkey and fish sewn together, and this would be put on display next to a perfectly legitimate scientific specimen.”

Proust works in traditional print media including woodblock, lino and lithography. His illustrations also feature the use of watercolour and guache. Drawing inspiration from old engravings and Japanese woodblock prints, as well as comic artists such as Jim Woodring and Edward Gory, Proust says the pieces retain an ‘amateur museum’ quality. “The subjects are drawn without any landscape, without any context. They are just on display, as a specimen.”

A sustainable approach is also a hallmark of Proust’s work, with second-hand frames often sourced from local op-shops. In turn, this lends the illustrations a sense of antiquity in keeping with the subject matter, but also serves to make his artwork more affordable.

“An entomologist once told me that she liked my work, which was very flattering, but the illustrations could just as easily appeal to a person who enjoys children’s books,” Proust said. “They often contain an element of something that is almost a joke, almost a punch line. It might not make you laugh, but perhaps crack a smile or raise a few eyebrows.”

Proust’s exhibition launch takes place between 6pm and 8.30pm on March 1 at the Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, 64 Pine Street, Chippendale, and is on display Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, until March 14