‘The Phillip… More True Tales from the Far North’ is the title of an art exhibition showcasing the work of French-born artist Franck Gohier, held at the Ray Hughes Gallery from the 18th May thru till the 14th of June, 2006.

Located in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia, the Ray Hughes Gallery featured approximately 40 pieces of Gohier’s artwork. This initiative was supported by various government organizations, including the Australian Council for the Arts and 24HRArt (Northern Territory Centre for Contemporary Art).

The pieces exhibited at the gallery were created at Charles Darwin University and the School of Visual Arts, where Franck Gohier was provided a studio and residency. On display was a mix of paintings and sculpted works, with a Phantom theme.

Franck Gohier’s artwork blends political and social messages conveyed in a satirical manner, highlighting undertones of issues or topics felt within communities or current public arenas. From the titles of the artworks to the art itself, his work is designed to communicate an intended message to the observer.

Two pieces of paraphernalia were created for ‘The Phillip… More True Tales from the Far North’ art exhibition and offered to attendees.

The first is a high-quality, thoroughly designed 36-page full-color catalog, featuring both painted and sculpted artworks on display at the Ray Hughes Gallery. The catalog also provides information on Franck Gohier and his career as an artist. It details various exhibitions he held from 1999 to 2006, along with his professional biography throughout his artistic journey. The catalog is printed on heavy stock paper and opens in a landscape format measuring 29.7cm x 21cm.

The second piece is a promotional card that folds open, displaying five artworks by Franck Gohier. It also provides information on the exhibition held at the Ray Hughes Gallery, including an appearance by the artist on May 20th, 2006. The promotional card is printed in full color on heavy stock cardboard paper measuring 20cm x 10cm.

Franck Gohier’s statement on ‘The Phillip… More True Tales from the Far North’:

“This was a catalogue that I designed and financed for an exhibition at Ray Hughes Gallery, Sydney 2006.

I had always wanted to produce my own version of a zine to accompany the artwork I was making.

For many years I worked on indigenous aboriginal communities in the far north of Australia as a master Printmaker. The Phantom has always been popular ‘out bush’ as it is one of the few comics that represents native/indigenous people in its narrative. I utilised the Phantom as a well meaning but still authoritarian and colonial figure. Imposing his law, ethics and morals on a pre existing culture that had its own system of governance prior to Phantom’s arrival… pretty much a metaphor for what I witnessed over many years on community. A lot of the artwork I made for this exhibition was just good old fashioned fun also and not taking things too seriously. A spoon full of sugar to help the medicine go down… as Mary Poppins once sung. Lol.”

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