Keroshin Govender: Borrowed Time

Sydney’s inner-city suburbs have always attracted artists, designers, filmmakers and other creatives who live and practice their craft in our vibrant districts. ‘Borrowed Time’ is a celebration of these individuals.

They have directed plays, run design practices and attended or worked at local art institutes. While they come from different places (New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Pakistan) their lives have been shaped by their time in these areas as they have lived through Sydney’s many metamorphoses.

While creation is at the heart of ‘Borrowed Time,’ the underlying theme is a little darker. Various items from nature (snake skin, spiders, beetles) have been incorporated into the oil paintings. These are creatures likely to be around long after human beings are extinct - those which are adaptable in terms of diet and environmental needs. Although many artists may be seeking immortality through creation, these creatures could be a reminder that our time is limited. 

Keroshin merges contemporary design processes with traditional painting techniques to create unique and engaging paintings. His studies at UNSW Art and Design have influenced his process. In Keroshin’s work, unusual characters or backgrounds are superimposed onto real life subjects. 3D models and graphic design software are used in the planning stages.

Keroshin has had numerous group and solo exhibitions in Australia and has been a finalist for various art prizes including the Law Society ‘Just Art’ Prize and the Waverley Woollahra 9x5 Landscape Prize (2018 and 2019).

Visit our website to view this virtual exhibition. Gaffa will host a live version of the show at a later stage, but in the time being there is only an online version.