5/9/22
DR MARTYN JOLLY
HONORARY ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN
RESEARCH SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND THE ARTS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Canberra ACT 2600 Australia

Email: Martyn.Jolly@anu.edu.au

Since graduating from the Australian National University, Daniel Spellman has been recognised as one of Australia’s most lively and refreshing photographers. Over several years he has brought a characteristic zest to many freelance assignments, as well as to his photography for several different organisations. All his work in this commercial and corporate arena shows a strong visual vigour, a richly energetic reaction to colour, and his own engaging and inventive personality.

I think these qualities, which Daniel has already demonstrated, will translate readily to the new arena of painting, and to the new project for which he is seeking support. Abstract paintings which directly recreate other states of subjective consciousness have a long and fascinating history. One thinks, for instance, of the drawings of Georgiana Houghton, which have been collected and exhibited in Australia. So, there are many other artists with whom Daniel could dialogue as the work progresses, deepening his career.

From my knowledge of Daniel as a student, I think the development of this additional layer of visual imagery at this stage of his career will be of great benefit to his overall development as an artist. It will encourage him to continue to contribute to our visual culture in different contexts, and using different media, into the future.