Dark Elements - Pigment Gallery, Melbourne
"... A different sort of comparison informs the work of James Pasakos. Having lived in a part of Melbourne where the comings and goings of ships and all the associated dockland activity creates a very specific type of place, the grand old architecture of Ballarat would seem to present a more genteel character. And perhaps it does, at least by day, when the richness of architectural detail can seem reminiscent of many fine European cities. But by night, Pasakos sees a darkness that both connects it with urban landscapes everywhere but is also distinctive to Ballarat as the city transforms itself. There is a small concentration of nightlife that brings together the weird, the bizarre and the wonderful. They claim the streets and take on a presence that can be troubling, perhaps even dangerous, but also colourful, lively and fascinating, particularly to the artist’s eye. That rich mix of colour and darkness is captured in Pasakos’ paintings and prints as he sees this part of Ballarat’s life take shape for a brief period each night ..." essay extract on the 'Outsiders' by Dr Jennifer Jones O'Neil, Arts Academy, Federation University Australia
"... A different sort of comparison informs the work of James Pasakos. Having lived in a part of Melbourne where the comings and goings of ships and all the associated dockland activity creates a very specific type of place, the grand old architecture of Ballarat would seem to present a more genteel character. And perhaps it does, at least by day, when the richness of architectural detail can seem reminiscent of many fine European cities. But by night, Pasakos sees a darkness that both connects it with urban landscapes everywhere but is also distinctive to Ballarat as the city transforms itself. There is a small concentration of nightlife that brings together the weird, the bizarre and the wonderful. They claim the streets and take on a presence that can be troubling, perhaps even dangerous, but also colourful, lively and fascinating, particularly to the artist’s eye. That rich mix of colour and darkness is captured in Pasakos’ paintings and prints as he sees this part of Ballarat’s life take shape for a brief period each night ..." essay extract on the 'Outsiders' by Dr Jennifer Jones O'Neil, Arts Academy, Federation University Australia
