“Surface. It doesn’t matter what you paint, your works are about surface.” In his Darlinghurst studio, surrounded by two decades of his work, Knight reflects on this observation, made by Ian Grant, his tutor at the University of New South Wales during Knight’s 2003 master’s degree. Surface, for Knight, was initially the cold, glossy, collaged landscapes of industrial buildings, cars and boats. Discarded signs, plywood, aluminium and drips of enamel were constructed to blur the lines between sculpture and painting, creating an active, dynamic surface.
Along with these industrial landscapes, Knight is renowned for his portraiture. The eight-time Archibald Prize finalist draws inspiration from pop art and graffiti, employing hard, bold backgrounds in striking contrast to the softly portrayed demeanour of his sitters. These surfaces are more personal, a dedication…
