Enniskillen: Recent Work of David Rankin

The Enniskillen paintings and murals integrate photographic news images from the 1987 bombings on to black paper with paint. The brushstrokes emulate ash, dust and ruin making the images appear to be shroud in a cloud of dust. Rankin grapples not only with the chaos of the shattered buildings and the scatter of human victims, but with his own Irish heritage. Rankin’s father, who is from Enniskillen, lost two family members during the bombing. In this moving series of works, Rankin attempts to reconcile his history and heritage.

In undertaking to respond to the Enniskillen bombing, Rankin draws on different areas of his past and addresses four decades of pre-occupation with mortality and regeneration. The characters in the Enniskillen paintings are an acknowledgement of the destruction and carnage that took place and a tribute to those that were lost. They also promise a sense of rebuilding and regeneration.

Enniskillen celebrates the typically Australian story of where one comes from, with where they end up.  For Rankin, his story began in England, then continued to Australia, where he spent his childhood in the 1950’s in the Sutherland Shire.  In 1989, Rankin moved to New York where he now resides. He continues to explore both his Australian roots and culture and the opportunities and challenges of an international community. In his long career, Rankin has followed his vision and painted images that speak to people of many countries and cultures.

David Rankin will give a talk on his exhibition at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery on Sunday 16 October at 2.30pm.

Image: David Rankin, Enniskillen - Nameless Embrace 2010, acrylic, charcoal & collage on black canvas, 160 x 475 cm.