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Minimal Art 1972 - 92 By Phillip John O'sullivan

Many people think my work 'derives' from Stephen Bambury. This is not true. My major influence was from Barnet Newman: Bambury emerged later with other underpinning philosophies than mine. I read heavily in 'Logical Positivism' in my teenage years-Strawson, AJ Ayer, Wittgenstein, G E Moore, Russell and others. I could read three books a day then. Sometimes more. Not knowing that this very philosophy was the exact philosophy that drove Minimalism of 1973 - to - 1978 in New York. I always stood outside things, I accepted it. Teachers who took exception to me called me facetious meaning deliberately ironic, sarcastic or inappropriate commentary. Trouble was I now guess I read so much more than they that it appeared (because it was so) that I spoke superior to them. Well, in short, all I can say to that is; 'it was true because, without knowing it, somehow I was, I just was.' I cannot help it. If I outthink most people, so be it. Why do they not think deeper, longer, harder or read more books. I have heard people speak faster, or write with a compelling rhythm; like a defender of the 'freedom' of women: Mill: but I do not think too highly of tricks like that. As if I'm buying a well used rusty car no? By the time I was in Auckland painting minimalism, thanks to an airmail subscription to ArtForum Magazine we few from MrKusich, Thornley and Gordon Walters, Myself and Ian Scott, with Ron Left and one other plus the 'boy' of the group: Bambury, were all the anointed of the most excellent dealer Petar Vuletics select Petar/James Gallery stable. We all kept up with New York. Talk about exciting! We were a mere twelve to eighteen months behind the Big Apple. I had three or more exhibitions or more with him, and prior New Vision Gallery and later our own DATA Gallery, an artists run cooperative Gallery. In Chews Lane I think. Briefly exhibiting with Denis Cohn Gallery later who used my grid works or one of them for his Galleries Logo. So represented in five Auckland Galleries eventually. This is an unprecedented early record. From 1973-to- 1978 Mainly with work in this well understood manner also currently. Gallery Representation Welcome.