Boomalli presents Perspective – A solo exhibition of Luke Close’s fine art practice.Luke’s unique style comes from over 30 years of art practice. Luke has continued to lead the way with his beautiful array of works and the development of his solo exhibition.

“I paint for what I see through my perspective.”

“I paint for what makes my soul come to life not for the market.”

Luke Close is a Githabal man and has been an artist for over 30 years. He comes from a large family from Northern NSW and has grown up on his country;

“I have returned to honour my family lines”.

Luke started painting in his thirties, his first painting was a bush scene landscape and he has continued developing many styles and techniques since his first artwork. Researching the local symbols and line marking helped Luke develop a cultural style of artworks. The human body intrigues him so live drawing has also been added to his portfolio of styles and skills. Despite the many styles, the doorway in has always been his culture. Luke is passionate about his art practice as it connects him to his community and family.

Luke is living and working in the cultural landscape of his family line and connected his art intuition with formal training completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at Deakin University.

Visual art takes Luke to another place; it is the language of the soul. The saying “a picture paints a thousand words” describes his practice best. Indigenous visual arts are such a powerful language. Those that are learning the Indigenous arts language will need information that is appropriate. Luke sources information from people, places, things and most importantly, the land.

Luke is also a teacher of cultural visual arts. He finds that assisting someone to explore and express this powerful language is a multidimensional experience in culture, art, connection and healing.

Luke has had the pleasure of being involved in major public art works including the Lismore Art Quadrangle public art space.

‘I am in a corridor of life; all of the dimensions of my life surround me and create the stories and pictures of my being; my soul, MY DREAMING.’