My Algorithm Loves Me: Stephen Ormandy

Stephen Ormandy is an Australian artist, whose paintings combine geometric and lyrical forms. His graphic planes of colour primarily operate as purely abstract schemas while occasionally bordering on recognisable iconography and figuration.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world and incorporating a strong design aesthetic, Ormandy’s body of work encompasses oil paintings, sculptures, textiles and jewellery with a distinct interplay between the mediums. Featured in the recently published book by Australian Abstract, Ormandy has secured a spot as one of the most influential contemporary Australian abstractionists due to unique colour combinations, while his prominent use line, shape and surface and the way they unform each other sets the artist’s work apart. By bringing together light and dark, bright and muted hues, he encourages the viewer to look at shapes and colours in comparison to those around them. As the artists explains:

"My work is born of the subconscious mind. I’m looking for vibration and rhythm, the play of line creating positive and negative space, searching for tonal balance through contrast or harmony, while developing chroma relationships that hug or repel".

In his new series , My Algorithm Loves Me, Ormandy revisits his unique style characterised by playfulness, vibrancy, and sense of joy. The exhibition will feature paintings and sculptures alongside one another, the highly tactile nature of the works inviting the viewers to engage with the artwork on a sensory level and encouraged to partake in a visual discourse in-between the mediums.   

Experimenting with different materials, such as resin and metal, the artist creates sculptural pieces that, just like his canvas paintings, evoke a sense of movement and fluidity.

Born in Melbourne, Stephen Ormandy graduated from The City Art Institute (now known as UNSW Art and Design) in Sydney in 1985. During his time at the college, he met Louise Olsen and Liane Rossler and in their final year of study they established the design company Dinosaur Designs. His work is held in public collections across Australia including Artbank, The Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, The Powerhouse Museum, The National Gallery of Victoria and The Art Gallery of Western Australia.

To register your interest, email info@rhodescontemporaryart.com