PRESENTATION OUTLINE
INTERVIEWERS INTRODUCTION. Today we are privileged and honoured to step into one of Australia's most gifted and unique creative minds. Blending surreal landscapes with political and spiritual paradigms, Reg Mombassa is truly an intriguing and eclectic character. His works are abstract personified, however, his relatability and social satirical commentary is like none other. Join us as we delve deep into the inspirations and creative process of a world inhabited by laughter, music, isolation and of course, dogs. Welcome to Mombassa's World.
TODAY WE LOOK INSIDE THE MIND OF ONE OF
AUSTRALIA'S MOST CELEBRATED AND DYNAMIC
ARTIST. KNOWN GLOBALLY FOR HIS EXPLOSIVE AND CONTROVERSIAL STYLE AND SUBJECT MATTER, CHRIS O'DOHERTY AKA 'REG MOMBASSA' LETS US INTO THE INNNER WORKINGS AND INSPIRATIONS BEHIND HIS ART.
Voice over introduction:
Culturally embedded in the psyche of Australians for over three decades, Reg Mombassa has depicted our landscape and social ideals and humour like none other. An enigma devoted to exploring and questioning the very nature of Australiana, Mombassa threads the line that many believe depict our cultural fabric and gives life to the consciousness of Australia to the rest of the world. An artist in the purest form, Mombassa is the personification of craftsmanship, devotion and expression of a collective ideal. Hauntingly serene and beautifully void, his works have been touted as the very nature of this country. The reality of his existence in the artist community is beyond iconic. Without Reg, the integrity through commercialisation of Art would surely be lost. He represents more than a Country and more than Art, he is an expression of the unexplainable and communicator of the surreal.
1. Welcome Reg. Firstly may we say what an honour it is to have you here on 'my creative way'. You have been described as an 'adopted' landmark and integral icon to Australia's creative essence. Where and how did the artistic exploration of 'Reg Mombassa' actually begin?
2. From 'mental as anything' through to Mambo, your commercial success (whether it be music or Art) has been phenomenal to say the least. However, the integrity of your style and personality has remained. What do you attribute to the longevity of your works and the overwhelming embrace that the Australian public has gifted you?
Mental as anything. The spawning of an expression that many say represented the extract nature of a young Australian repressed energy and exploration. Through the art how was the process of expression similar to your painting through the band. What lines of thoughts and execution are reflected in your works
3. With over 30 years of production and relevance, you truly are an ambassador for the reverent and iconic artist. What was the journey like as the tides of social and commercial commodities changed for artists over the years.
4. From the opening Olympic Ceremony in 2000 through to 2014 NYE Sydney Harbour bridge artwork, you have been commissioned for some of the most relevant and depicting projects in Australia's history. Was there a defining Difference between these projects in terms of what you wanted to represent to the outside world and can you briefly explain the essence or inspiration behind them?
5. As a world creator, what is the defining point of creation for you?
6.Your execution and technique are extremely refined and explosive in presentation despite the nature of your subject matter. How long did this technical expertise take to master?
7. Spiritual undertones and argumentation of religious constructs are seen throughout your works. Are you challenging the viewer or yourself with these representations?
8. There is a nihilistic beauty to all your works that evoke more then just surreal constructs of reality. Does your nostalgia in these works purposely depict a sense of melancholy, or do you find happiness through these solitude characters experiencing these alternative worlds?
9. The Australian landscape is a whimsical and sometimes ominous portrayal in your works. How important has the spirit or essence of this country been in producing these timeless worlds?
10. Contrast is a heavy staple for your execution, the almost lonely atmospheres you create often has a jubilant character depicted, mixed with contrasting subject matter as well. How is your own perception of reality reflected in your art. Do you see our reality as conflicting?
11. Relatable in its sincerity and addictive in its presentation, your works are a form of both inner beauty and external turmoil. What drove you to depict our society as this beautifully abstract creation of political chaos and spiritual wonderment.
12. Finally, through all your acclaim, success and expression, is there one defining aspect of life, love or reality that truly depicts your 'Creative Way'?
That concludes another episode of 'My Creative Way'. We hope that you have enjoyed the journey of one of Australia's most celebrated Artists as much as we have, and until next time, we hope that you too discover your 'Creative Way'.
