INTERPRETING ART
Art Through the Lens of Linton Partington
Follow us on a journey of art , where we meet Linton Partington , Director of Linton & Kay Galleries , in a quest to understand art and its role in Western Australia .
Linton , by profession , was a Chartered Accountant , until he decided on a change in direction in his 30s and started a business with a friend . Their first lease in Subiaco was previously a hardware store which they repurposed to create their first Gallery . The early success of Linton & Kay Galleries was attributed to a great stable of artist brought together by the teams ’ flare for networking . A notable mention being Pro Hart , a household name in the Australian art landscape .
Linton ’ s first passion for art stems from his love for music , especially 90s rock bands like “ Tool ”. He often recognises music in paintings with brush strokes , motion , and rhythm . Some artists such as Robert Moore actually “ draw music ”. Linton often interprets art pieces in musical terms , for example , he would see calmness and serenity in a painting through the appeasing tones of classical music or the intensity and erraticism of a heavy metal music performance .
With a few decades in the art industry , Linton has enjoyed seeing the development of Australian artists throughout their journey , for some of whom the gallery played an important role . He remembers each with their own personality , style , and quirkiness . One story that was highlighted during the interview was of an artist who only travels by cargo ship , which might not be the most comfortable but definitely the richest in experience . Some of these journeys have greatly influenced their art pieces . He says , “ It is great to share these experiences with our collectors , sometimes it is the stories behind an original work of art that provides the unique connection to the client .”
After the conversation with Linton , we could not help but conclude that art is a personal and experiential phenomenon through the perception of the viewer and the expression of the artist .
“ Art is felt and experienced rather than being described or understood ”
Linton Partington Linton & Kay Galleries
Photographed by Urbane