Trevor Bly’s practice explores the idea of home and how a sense of locale defines relationships, aesthetics and formed identity through a connection to a site. Influenced strongly from suburban rituals, traditions and icons, Bly’s constant reinterpretation of his home suburb of Craigie and postcode (6025) creates a trust in the signifier, allowing the numbers and text to transform beyond a boundary location.

Collaboration is an important aspect in Bly’s practice having created working opportunities with long-time collaborator Patrick Doherty. Doherty works strongly with narratives and myths enabling his artwork to reference specific and universal truths. His expressive styles are reminiscent of past historical deeds that echo spiritual and religious themes to captivate viewers. His drawn figurative characters wield fantasy powers to explore the human condition and psyche. Both practices unite grand narratives and artistic possibilities that would customarily not exist.

It’s Not a Party Without the Devil incorporates the strengths of each collaborator’s practice to produce an alluring and cohesive artwork. The work features a screen-printed figure, wearing a fancy dress outfit reminiscent of a bygone era with the figure standing proudly in confident posture and his hand firmly placed on the jacket. Overlaying the screen print, aerosol and paint depict party lights, the devil and a graffitied 6025. This combination of media and subject matter brings the artwork alive, creating a dynamic and electric composition alluding to partying in Craigie. Hovering over the right shoulder of the unphased figure, the devil looks exhausted and ready to call the partying quits.

Winner of the 2015 Invitation Art Prize