There aren’t many people who can say that they’re an artist, and be talking about both visual art and musical art. Geelong grown David Bowers has been creating in both areas for over 20 years, beginning with his art/surf label, Umgawa, which he founded in 1992.
“Umgawa probably was the starting point if I think about it,” David says, pondering a time when it all started. “I suppose that was really the first outlet for my own freedom of expression.”
Through this outlet, he caught the eye of the head of Mambo, Dare Jennings, from which a very fruitful relationship was born. Inspired by the vibrant colours and designs of Mambo, he went on to begin a solo exhibition at his friend Mario’s cafe.
“My first shows at Mario’s were all my Mambo work,” David says, thankful of his experiences with Mambo. The exhibition saw the sale of every painting, which has continued to trend well into his current and tenth year in a row of exhibitions at Mario’s.
“Mario has always had a really good reputation for showing good art,” David says, expressing his appreciation. “To be asked back again every year is a bit of an honour.”
“After that exhibition and when I ran out of work to show,” David explains. “I was struck with the challenge of filling the walls of the gallery with some art.” With colourful pop-art Andy Warhol style artworks, ranging through multiple different mediums, David finds his inspiration in everything.
“Last year I did an entire exhibition on road repairs. The year before that I did a whole lot of paintings of icy poles, but in the style of iconic images,” he says.
As well as his exhibitions at Mario’s, he has exhibited his work all over the world, across Europe, Asia and the USA. David is also artistically talented with music as well. Having played in a few bands; The Nubiles, Mr Universe and The Stone Cold Boners. He is currently half way through a recording under an alter ego, Eugene Hamilton.
“I’ve been doing Eugene for a long, long time now. He sort of came from The Stone Cold Boners. I guess he’s a part of my personality, that loves dressing up and pretending to be somebody else,” David says.
David describes Eugene Hamilton as “a camp cabaret fun character.” In this release, we’ll hear covers of Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncè, Frank Sinatra and more, with a Eugene Hamilton twist that David says “turns the songs on their heads.”
If you ever happen to be on Brunswick street with a few hours to kill, Mario’s is open 7 days a week and is a convenient spot to find some great art, David Bowers included. Whether it’s his upcoming exhibitions or new music releases, David Bowers is striving for success in the most exciting and creative ways.
When & Where: Marios Cafe, Fitzroy – Until January 12
By Jessica Alves