I first actually met ROA at the Outpost Project in Sydney back in 2011. We had a brief exchange as he was up high on a scissor lift painting a large mural across the whole side of a building. In 2012, he came to Melbourne, created the controversial solo exhibition Carrion, visited Healesville Sanctuary and painted a few incredible pieces (video here) and before leaving Melbourne, I was privileged to spend a whole day documenting him up close as he painted a large echidna in Fitzroy. Our paths crossed again in Perth at Public 2014 where we hung out some more and I watched him paint a huge seven storey snake. He was recently back in Melbourne to hold another solo show at Backwoods Gallery – HIC SVNT DRACONES. The result of a modern expedition, the show explores the impact of western civilization on Australia’s native fauna through illustration, sculpture and installations. Check out some behind the scene studio pics where ROA created everything for this show using found objects, as well as images of the incredible finished new works at the exhibition space. Once again, I have been totally blown away by this secretive artist, his talent, his stamina, his strong beliefs and have treasured the good times we spent together.
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