At his artistic core, Stormie Mills is a street artist foremost.
He crafted his style down alleyways and on abandoned buildings. In the three decades that span his career he has created a collection of artwork that has been inspired by the streets. Although using characters and images that evoke a sense of isolation and misery he mixes in a contrast that leaves the viewer feeling a sense of hope. It is these opposing ideas and also his ability as a speaker that has made Stormie popular among people throughout the country.
In Brisbane, he is known for his popular, four-metre high 'Bunnyman' characters that he transformed for the annual Brisbane Festival. It is not just his art that has gathered support either, his personal story and passion for the industry has also gathered interest. He has spoken at FORM Gallery's inaugural #PUBLICPerth street art festival in 2014 and also at the well respected Ag design festival in 2012.
'Two Things JMB'As part of his latest work 'Things That Go Bump In The Night' is an unusual and unique display of original artwork just in time for Halloween. His passion and influence of horror comics and spooky things from his childhood are evident in this work however he offers the viewer a different outlook on the characters.
'We Are All Dust'On a holiday that has been overtaken by consumerism, the original story and substance of halloween seems to have been lost. In this artwork we see popular images and characters being humanised as if to evoke the viewer to once again connect with what originally appealed to lovers of this holiday.
By using images such as the ugly outcast and skeletons Stormie is suggesting that while we all identify by various forms based on our fashion sense, culture, friends and ethnicity, that underneath all of these commonalities we are all the same.
'Within This Web Lies A Truth''Things That Go Bump In The Night' is a body of work that will provoke the viewer to think about these characters and what they represent in a different light. The artists skill for making work that motivates people to reevaluate popular notion is evident in this exhibition.
'Things That Go Bump In The Night' exhibits There Is (49 Stuart Street, Perth) 30 October – 8 November.
