Educated in the 1980s in Visual Arts at Western Sydney University (formally Nepean College of Advanced Education), experimentation was encouraged and the skilled mark fundamental. My drawing approach is intuitive, exploring various surfaces, and using different mark making techniques and materials. I develop images which explore notions of glimpses of our everyday surroundings; something that momentarily captures my attention, triggering an impulse to render the sensitive ardour of the moment.
The art of AM Bateman explores the detail, form and shapes from the artist’s surroundings using watercolour, acrylic and oil paint, and photography. The unique beauty that surrounds us is often overlooked during our busy lives. Bringing light to what is sometimes unseen is the impetus for the work.
AM Bateman’s art work is about surface and the close up of natural forms. The artist sees beyond the surface to reveal the true virtue of each abstract shape, tone, line and colour. Images captured by the camera provides a platform to unravel the subject’s form, whereas in other instances, a mere glimpse can pique the artist’s attention and with it, the impulse to produce work.
Exhibitions and Creative Projects:
1988, Editions Unlimited, Artspace, Sydney NSW
1996, Hatched, Healthway National Art Graduate Exhibition, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
1997, Shed Particle Gallery NSW Annandale
1997, One, Group exhibition, Side-On Gallery, Stanmore NSW
2004-present- Director of small independent art studio
2010 - 2019, Set and Prop design, Circus Splendida, Magic Christmas Box, The Wiz, Treasure Island, The Addams Family, SHREK
2014, Pop up Art Space, Solo exhibition, Lane Cove NSW
2016 - 2017, Artwork used for interior staging properties
2018, Meander Stream, Gallery Lane Cove
2020, Kedumba Drawing Awards Finalist
2023, Absorbed: Captured Moments. Joint exhibition with Susan Cadby, The Watch House Balmain NSW
2023, Reflecting Suggestions. Joint exhibition with Joy Myers Creed. The Watch House Balmain NSW
2023 Infinite Scapes. Collaboration with KPMG, Studio A and Off the Path Art Studio for artists with diverse abilities.
Education
1988, Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) Distinction, Nepean College of Advanced Education (University of Western Sydney)
1989 Graduate Diploma in Education, University of Western Sydney, Nepean
1996 Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts First Class Honours), University of Western Sydney, Nepean
Intrigued by the present, the now, is what drives me to produce paintings. I am continually learning from what is around me. Saddened by the rush of life, my work calls out to stop, respond and observe.”
— AM BATEMAN 2018