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In 2018 before and throughout the pandemic period, I commenced a series of paintings that pays homage to the guitar and accessories used in rock music. During a time when I personally felt constrained due to health problems and then as part of the community because of the stifling effect of pandemic lockdowns and mask-wearing, I turned to the noise of an electric guitar as a vehicle to be heard. I guess the electric guitar became a beacon of communication to me like the pot and pan-clanging percussion sessions in the cities across Italy during their pandemic lockdowns.

To me, the image of the guitar and its image as a liberating pop icon became a great distraction from the continual periods of lockdown experienced in Melbourne, Australia.

More info: xristoartworks-christopherrussell.com

#1

Circulation Of Sound

Circulation Of Sound

Acrylic on card, 2019-2020

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I used the electric guitar and accessories as subject matter to express frustration, emotion, excitement, dreams, and freedom. The electric guitar shape and its accessories have an aura that is attractive because of the rebellious lifestyle and glamour that is associated with it. In one painting called 'Satellite of Sound' the guitar vibrates sending a signal throughout the airwaves to call all young people and charm them out of their suburban homes back into a social gathering. I also feel the sound of electric guitar riffs first heard on the radio or aural media transforms receptive children into teenagers. It awakens and excites the artistic, curious section of the brain. The guitar acts as a vehicle for emotional change in people who play and for those who listen to its aural message. During the painting of this series, I was inspired by the lyrics written by Bon Scott:

' There was fifteen million fingers

Learnin' how to play

And you could hear the fingers pickin'

And this is what they had to say'.

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    #2

    Strung Out - Vibrating D String

    Strung Out - Vibrating D String

    Acrylic on canvas paper, commenced 2019-2020

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    #3

    Activate The Fuzz Pedal

    Activate The Fuzz Pedal

    Acrylic on paper, commenced 2018

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    You can check out more of my quirky, expressionist, contemporary imagery at the Gallery247 website, on Instagram, and at Xristo Artworks gallery online.

    #4

    From Above And Below. Hear It Coming

    From Above And Below. Hear It Coming

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2020

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    #5

    Satellite Of Sound. Transforming Kids From Nappies To Teenagers

    Satellite Of Sound. Transforming Kids From Nappies To Teenagers

    Acrylic on canvas paper, 2018-2020

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    #6

    On The High Wire (Down At St Kilda, Melbourne)

    On The High Wire (Down At St Kilda, Melbourne)

    Acrylic on canvas paper, 2021

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    #7

    Shaking The Field

    Shaking The Field

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2021 - 22

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    #8

    Organic Riff

    Organic Riff

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2021

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    #9

    Bait

    Bait

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2020

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    #10

    The Guitar Gently Weeps With A Soft Hand

    The Guitar Gently Weeps With A Soft Hand

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2020

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    #11

    Possession No 1

    Possession No 1

    Acrylic on fiber paper, 2019 - 2020

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    #12

    Sono Circumiecto (Zuma, Surround Me)

    Sono Circumiecto (Zuma, Surround Me)

    Pencil sketch, 2020

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