Untitled: Guido Van Helten

Guido Van Helten is an Australian artist who is known for his large scale monochromatic portraits. As part of Sassoon Dock Art Project, the artist spent three days taking portrait shots of the fisherfolk present at the dock. “I saw these women shelling prawns at the dock, they sat together and I talked with them briefly smiling, focused and strong. I chose to represent these three because of their close friendship.”, explains Guido. With his signature style, Guido profiles three portraits for the facades that overlook a primary space of the warehouse.

Using the decadence to its advantage, Guido’s photorealistic murals seemingly weave out naturally through the walls, giving it a delicate and deep sentimental quality. The women portrayed are the ones he spent time with, peeling prawns together and trying to access the variety of stories and the life habits of the rich ecosystem of the docks. The piece will be a permanent trace and tribute to the dock even after the exhibition ends.