Christian Palmer Solo Show

Crestfallen pit bulls, camels carrying a wry knowing smile and cows playing casual observers.

These are some of the subjects in the work of artist Christian Palmer, who has come to London for his first solo show.

Based in Byron Bay, Australia, Palmer has travelled extensively across South East Asia, Europe and Australia, drawing inspiration along the way.

Palmer says his current series began with dogs, ‘which bear witness to our lives’ before looking at cows ‘which surround me where I live and look through my window,’ and pigs ‘as they’ve been used in experiments to grow human organs.’

There’s a parallel with humans in all of them as they’re all witnesses to the human condition.

Camels meanwhile are nomads – ‘it’s all about the journey’ says Palmer, who notes, they’ve been in the Australian headlines ‘because of the live export trade.’

His works are given levity with the addition of a synchronistic quote, usually from a poem or song, making the whole thing quite poignant.

‘The form of the letters are like child’s writing so it brings a naivety to it,’ says Palmer.

Christian Palmer Solo Show will be held at the Graffik Gallery from 15-22 January on 284 Portobello Road, W10 5TE