Bio
Born and practicing in Perth Boorloo, Western Australia, Max Thornton-Smith is a fine artist who deals primarily with oil painting, charcoal, and video art. His work centres around two components: reforming various mediums in an animatic field and taking the use of traditional materials into a more digitally focused or novel space.
Focusing on landscape and expressionistic depictions of his surroundings, Max has always been enamored with the natural environment and its many streams; whether through pigmented earth or iridescent light. Enthralled with the qualities and process of plein-air painting he has focused a large majority of his practice in exploring the power of impressionistic artworks, delving deep into the materials and due dilligence of the artform.
This provided Max with a basis for which he could combine more abstracted depictions of perception and landscape onto a stable actualized form; often resulting in dynamistic depictions of the Australian bush. His work focuses on the ability for the abstract landscape and animated movement to appeal to memories, the past and the hearts of viewers. Ultimately exploring the psychology of human perception; about how we interpret time, our memories and the human condition.
Drawing from all facets of life, Max has consistently found inspiration in literature, poetry, music and myth; frequently resulting in multifarious references, symbology and double meanings throughout his work.​​​
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As of recent, Max has begun to work in a more digitally focused space, building installations and interactive experiences alongside his display of paintings. Looking towards the future, Max is interested in furthering his current studies in Nihonga pigment painting as well as to focus his practice into a multimedia space, dealing with collaborations with musicians, screen artists and more.