Michael Lindeman’s exhibition of large-scale text paintings all share a familiar format based on collected published newspaper classifieds offering paintings for sale. However through the content of the new work an eclectic mix of themes and styles are cooking.

The title and spirit of Frank Zappa’s 17 minute composition ‘The Gumbo Variations’ from his 1969 album ‘Hot Rats’, lends itself perfectly to Lindeman’s collection of absurd and irreverent paintings. Just as Zappa’s improvised jam features a diverse range of sounds and influences through his rock-jazz fusion, Lindeman’s new conceptual paintings draw upon and define various modes of art making.

Piano, organ, clarinet, electric violin, saxophone and scorching guitar are just some of the instruments put into action in Zappa’s self composed, arranged and produced piece. While Lindeman’s deadpan installation of paintings reference a disparate collection including a ‘Oriental painting’, a ‘timber engraved Bart Simpson picture’, a ‘Genuine PNG spirit mask’ a work titled ‘Summer in Italy’ and a ‘Handcrafted Fijian wooden picture’ to name a few.

The term ‘Gumbo’ is often used as a metaphor for a mix of cultures and culinary practice. Zappa’s composition is a feast for the aural senses and Lindeman’s new text paintings are a smorgasbord for the mind. In his exhibition ‘The Gumbo Variations’ Lindeman offers the viewer many and varied courses for the viewer to conceptualise their own full-flavoured individual experience.