Pier show revives lost work

IF you’re walking along Queenscliff Pier soon, you might come across an artwork from Ballarat’s Tomas Lineker.

A print of his acrylic on canvas piece, titled Context, is featuring in the 2022 Queenscliff Art Prize exhibition, and will be on display until Sunday, 30 April.

Lineker said it’s “pretty cool” to have his work shown as part of the exhibition, which features photography and art from more than 100 creators nationwide.

“I used to visit Queenscliff a lot as a kid and it was one of my favourite places. I never thought I’d be exhibiting there,” he said.

“The four eyes in the piece are meant to be a distorted image of someone. I wanted to portray the feeling of confusion which is something that can happen when things are out of context.”

Having pursued art for about five years, Lineker adopted his more abstract style earlier this year after growing frustrated with working in still life.

Context was previously showcased as part of Lineker’s Outside exhibition in New York City’s On The Fringe gallery, during which it was destroyed.

He said it’s good to be able to see it revived in print form for the Queenscliff Art Prize.

“I know it’s there now and I can always look back at it and remember it better. This showing has definitely turned it into a better experience for me,” he said.

“Context is one of my favourite pieces I’ve done. This has definitely given it a second chance at life.”