Artist makes his CBD debut

Just two months ago Christopher Theofanous was graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts.

This month he is in an exhibition in the CBD, a swift transition from student to exhibitor.

Every year Blindside Gallery in the Nicholas Building selects the most promising art graduates from RMIT, the VCA and Monash University for a show.

This year Christopher was among three students from the VCA in Debut.

The painter’s wet-on-wet line-work made a lively impression in an otherwise sombre Grad Show this year and it attracted the attention of the curators.

Blindside offers the exhibition as a stepping stone from college, a time when artists need support.

Christopher said he was happy to perform the role of painter during the lockdown.

“You have loyalty to your subject. It’s a job for me. I’ve been sitting it out. I still have paintings to make,” he said.

The Masters graduate spent the time studying the paintwork of his mentors and developing his style. “I got interested in the way paint gets on the canvas,” he said.

“A lecturer said painting is like a dinner party. You gather all the elements to have a good evening. That’s how you make work.” •