“Nullius in verba”, a latin saying that roughly translates to “take no one's word for it”, acts as the title for both this STATION exhibition, and for one of the artworks it presents. Nullius in Verba II-XIII, created by Gunai and Monero Melbourne-based artist, Steaphan Paton, is one of two works in Paton's first STATION show. While this is Paton's first exhibition at the contemporary art gallery in South Yarra, the artist has previously displayed work across Melbourne, at some of Australia's major art institutions, including in ACCA's Sovereignty (2016) and The National Gallery of Victoria's Colony: Frontier Wars (2018).
While the exhibition is sparse, the minimalist display of the works allows for in-depth focus on the detail and complexity of each. The sculptural work, an installation comprising of 12 etched steel shields on stands presented in a triangular formation, is captivating and beautifully displayed.
The shields are intricately detailed with a “matrix of carved diamond shapes alluding to narratives around culture and ceremony.” Each shield is individual in its carvings, the effect produced being one of uniformity that is simultaneously revealing of a delicate distinction existing between each piece.
Isabel White is a Melbourne-based undergraduate student at The University of Melbourne, majoring in Art History.
