The Mountains (1999 – 2000)

One clear day, I ascended to the top of the 101 Collins Street tower, a pinnacle from where you can see forever – from the You Yangs, Mt Macedon, Mt Disappointment, Mt Everad, Mt Riddle, Mt Donna Buang, Mt Dandenong and Mt Martha. But on those other days, the sharp brittle projections of the cityscape only allows you to see fragments of that vital wider vision. It is these underlying factors that shape and mold my images. But then, we should all see it differently.”

Throughout this artist’s interesting career a distinctive style has emerged and been enhanced with each presentation of a collection. Shelton’s ability to capture and support the objects of his fascination – the love of the female form in Figurescape 98 and the flowing caress of water in Falling Down (1997) – is very apparent in The Mountains. The journey of Shelton’s vision shown in this collection is beautifully orchestrated with vibrancy of colour apparent in the Australian landscape and which further developes the artist’s interst in space, form and colour.