James McGrath

Ocular / Fleur, displayed at Sydney's Olsen Gallery, melds traditional Baroque aesthetics with cutting-edge AI technology in a compelling exploration of visual experience. The circular paintings draw viewers into a lush world that marries 17th-century Dutch Still life and Australian flora. These artworks create a dynamic space where external and internal realms coalesce into a seamless, moving tapestry. Complementing these are AI-generated pieces that infuse new, unpredictable layers of interpretation. The result is dramatic, decadent, and steeped in melancholy while simultaneously representing the unpredictable nature of ideas. Together, they form a multi-sensory tableau that not only challenges but also enriches the act of 'seeing,' the literal meaning of 'Ocular.'




In the artwork 'Ocular / Phosis' the artist recontextualizes the classic European botanical print, bringing it into a dialogue with the complexities of colonialism and the Australian landscape. 

This series expands upon the broader 'Ocular / Phosis' theme of challenging visual perception by diving into the uneasy coexistence of transplanted European Flora and Fauna in Australia. The artwork features generative flowers that are in a state of perpetual transformation, their forms and textures evolving in a ceaseless interplay.

This ongoing metamorphosis serves as both a mirror and a question: Why does the transposition of forms we deem 'natural' make us uneasy? Dramatic, decadent, and steeped in melancholy, 'Ocular / Phosis' adds another layer of unpredictable richness to the 'Ocular / Fleurs' series, prompting viewers not just to 'see,' but to question the gaze on the landscape.

Primary purchasers can opt for the Nvidia media player as an upgrade to get enhanced display quality. The player comes with a Tegra X1+ processor and excels in displaying high-resolution digital art, supporting 4K HDR for vivid, detailed visuals. It offers auto-start and looping functions and can connect to an artist's studio server, allowing for the playback of both current and potential future works. International shipping is not included in the price, please email info@culturevault.com for delivery. 

Ocular/ Phosis

Drawing inspiration from 19th-century botanical watercolours, this artwork forms a visual tunnel, leading the viewer through layers of leaves and pages that seem to cascade away. 

It emphasises the intricate recording of Australian flora, portrayed as both slipping and folding into the distance. This piece elegantly bridges historical and contemporary art forms, reflecting on the passage of time and the evolving perception of nature.

Primary token holders can opt for the Nvidia media player as an upgrade to get enhanced display quality. The player with a Tegra X1+ processor, excels in displaying high-resolution digital art, supporting 4K HDR for vivid, detailed visuals. It offers auto-start and looping functions and can connect to an artist's studio server, allowing for the playback of both current and potential future works. Please contact info@culturevault.com for more information. 