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Damn my darling Doosra

A vibrant collage of bold colors and fragmented figures defines Gareth Sansom's Damn my darling Doosra, an eclectic 2010 masterpiece that invites you to explore the depths of contemporary Australian pop art.

Discover Gareth Sansom's bold art! Australian painter blending Pop Art & eclectic styles. Themes: mortality, pop culture, identity. Featured in NGA & NGV.

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Total Price

$ 300

reproduction

Damn my darling Doosra

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Total Price

$ 300

A Carnival of Chaos and Craft

In the vibrant and often disorienting landscape of contemporary Australian art, Gareth Sansom stands as a master of the unexpected. His 2010 masterpiece, "Damn my darling Doosra," serves as a breathtaking testament to his ability to weave disparate threads of pop culture, sport, and surrealism into a singular, pulsating tapestry. At first glance, the viewer is met with an explosion of color and fragmented imagery that mimics the frenetic energy of a carnival side-show. The central figure, draped in a striking yellow shirt with arms raised toward the heavens, acts as an anchor amidst a sea of abstract shapes and photographic collages. It is a work that refuses to be still, demanding that the eye dance across its surface, navigating through layers of green landscapes, red geometric borders, and ghostly, masked faces.

The title itself provides a cryptic gateway into Sansom’s psyche. Drawing inspiration from the evocative language used by sports writers to describe the "doosra"—a deceptive spin bowling delivery in cricket—the artist finds a profound metaphor in the sport's trickery. Just as a spin bowler uses contortion, unnatural angles, and hidden movements to deceive an opponent, Sansom utilizes his canvas to practice a form of artistic deception. The piece functions like a magician’s sleight of hand; one moment you are focused on a realistic photographic element, and the next, you are lost in a whirlwind of abstract limbs and fragmented bodies that suggest a state of constant metamorphosis.

The Alchemy of Collage and Color

Technically, "Damn my darling Doosra" is an exercise in controlled chaos. Sansom employs an eclectic mix of styles, blending the sharp edges of realism with the fluid, organic forms of abstraction. The composition is a sophisticated collage that feels both digitally informed and deeply tactile. The bold use of primary and secondary colors—the searing red of the rectangular borders against the lush, verdant greens—creates a high-contrast environment that stimulates the senses. This chromatic tension is mirrored in the subject matter, where the human form is often dissected or superimposed, creating a sense of psychological depth and physical instability.

For the discerning collector or interior designer, this artwork offers more than mere decoration; it offers a conversation piece of immense intellectual weight. The way the light seems to play off the different layers of the composition makes it an ideal centerpiece for modern, avant-garde spaces. Whether placed in a minimalist gallery setting or a richly textured study, the painting’s ability to command attention is unparalleled. It embodies the spirit of Pop Art while pushing into much darker, more complex territories of identity and mortality. To possess a reproduction of such a work is to invite the restless, beautiful energy of Sansom’s imagination into one's own environment, providing a daily encounter with the sublime mystery of the unexpected.


Artist Biography

Gareth Sansom: A Life in Art

Born in Melbourne, Australia, on November 19, 1939, Gareth Sansom is a highly respected Australian artist known for his eclectic paintings, printmaking, and collages. His work stands out for its bold colors, diverse allusions, and exploration of complex themes.

Early Life and Education

Sansom studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) from 1959 to 1964. He held his first solo exhibition in 1959, receiving early encouragement from Arthur Boyd who purchased a piece from the show. Following RMIT, he exhibited at South Yarra Gallery and Gallery A, with works being acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian National Gallery respectively.

Artistic Development & Influences

Sansom is recognized as one of the first Australian artists to embrace Pop Art influences, particularly from British artists like Peter Blake, Allen Jones, Derek Boshier, and Joe Tilson. He also drew inspiration from the formal strategies of post-modernist R.B. Kitaj and, significantly, the work of British painter Francis Bacon. His close association with Brett Whiteley suggests a mutual artistic influence.

Key Characteristics & Themes

Sansom’s paintings are characterized by their eclectic nature, layering historical, cultural, and personal references. He often combines oils, enamels (sprayed and brushed), and collaged elements – including photographs and objects – into his compositions. His signature style includes visible earlier paint layers, juxtaposed hard-edge geometry with lyrical passages of color, and figurative ‘doodles’ at the margins.

Recurring themes in his work include:

  • Mortality
  • Ageing
  • Sexual identity
  • Popular and youth culture
  • Cinema

Humor, Iconoclasm & Titles

A strong element of humor, iconoclasm, and irony permeates Sansom’s work. This is evident not only in the visual elements but also in his often provocative titles, such as ‘Art Can't Fart (for Rose Selavay)’, ‘Four Wise Men Looking for God in Abstract Art’, and ‘Dr Fu Manchu’s Death by Gyro’.

Major Achievements & Recognition

Throughout his career, Sansom has held numerous exhibitions and received significant recognition. He was awarded the prestigious John McCaughey Memorial Prize of $100,000 in 2008. His work is represented in major collections including:

  • National Gallery of Australia
  • National Gallery of Victoria
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
  • The Mertz Collection

Historical Significance & Legacy

Gareth Sansom has had a distinct influence on subsequent Australian art. He paved the way for later notable artists such as Juan Davila and Howard Arkley, introducing new themes and subject matter into the Australian artistic landscape. His innovative approach to painting, combining diverse techniques and challenging conventional norms, continues to inspire contemporary artists.

From 1986-1991 Sansom was Dean of the School of Art at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), further cementing his role as a leading figure in Australian art education.

Gareth Sansom

Gareth Sansom

1939 - , Australia

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 19 November 1939
  • Birth Place: Melbourne, Australia
  • Influenced:
    • Juan Davila
    • Howard Arkley
  • Influenced By:
    • Peter Blake
    • Allen Jones
    • Derek Boshier
    • Joe Tilson
    • R.B. Kitaj
    • Francis Bacon
    • Brett Whiteley
  • Movement: Pop Art, Post-modernism
  • Name: Gareth Sansom
  • Nationality: Australian
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