The Strand of Hynesight

In The Strand of Hynesight, local artist Jan Hynes looks at one of Townsville’s most iconic locations, The Strand. The show features stylised oil paintings by Hynes that are highly emotive, but also undoubtedly and irresistibly Townsville.

Those familiar with Flinders Street East will recall Hynes’ bronze statue Bazza & Shazza, a work from 2004 that is indicative of the humorous nature of her work. And though her work often brings a smile, or even a chuckle, it is not the driving force behind the works, “I don’t think you can force that sort of thing…some people think ‘that’s really funny’, but it’s just a different viewpoint”.

And there in lies the beauty of The Strand of Hynesight – a different viewpoint. Perhaps we have seen the landscape so often that we scarcely think to actually look, but Hynes seems to be able to provide a more intimate knowledge of the Strand than even the most seasoned veteran. Whether it be her representations of the rockpool or the stinger nets, the showers or even the vinegar bottles that dot the beaches, everything about the place seems more vivid when seen through Hynes’ eyes, as if seeing these things for the first time.

This different viewpoint can be attributed to a strong eye for detail, as identified by Professor Barbara Hayes during an interview with Hynes earlier this year. Hayes asked about quirkiness, and probably best identified the true strength in Hynes’ oil paintings, “What I wondered is, what I always felt, was that you have an eye for the quirky details…it’s the detail that’s quirky, isn’t it?” She does, and it is. Hynes has an eye for the often glossed over detail that provides the true fabric and character of the Strand, or of any place you are likely to come across. The details that are easy to forget, but make a place seem familiar.

In many cases, they are also the details that make you feel something. That bring a smile to your face. Or even a chuckle.