The Naked Painters: Creating Art With Your Alter Egos – Adelaide Fringe Review

Studio at Bakehouse Theatre, Tue 12 Mar. [CABARET/PERFORMANCE ART – QLD] Heading in to see The Naked Painters, I was not sure what to expect exactly! I wondered if this was someone with the ability and experience of using their penis to paint with, is full of self-confidence and bravado and be willing to ‘expose himself’ with such Ta Da! that I would almost be intimidated by him. I thought he would take over the stage and be flamboyant and loud. I expected that the painter would try to titillate and be sexy, and I honestly expected that the ‘painting’ would be amateurish at best, I mean, paint with his penis, really?? What I witnessed was far far different than that. Tim Patch introduced himself to the audience, dressed in jeans and plain shirt and jacket; unassuming, and almost shy. He talked about his two alter ego’s ‘Pricasso’ and ‘Speedy’, and advised that we were about to meet Speedy. With that, Tim literally stripped down to the usual costume for Speedy, which made him look out of place for the stark stage, but certainly created the look of flamboyancy. With feathers flying, Speedy spoke of his history and stories of youth while painting a lovely lady having a day at the beach – and the painting, was excellent! After a two minute break, we met Pricasso who, dressed as colourfully if not as flamboyantly, asked for a volunteer from the audience to ‘sit’ for him whilst he painted their portrait. Pricasso shared stories and anecdotes of his life; how he has travelled the world, how he originally began his painting story and how he discovered his talent. The show itself is a bit clunky with previous news stories of Tim’s life and experiences, but his art really does speak for itself. Once you get over the fact that to paint, he needs to remove his pants, you soon get lost in his actual painting prowess. Tim is certainly gifted, and it was a real privilege to watch him work. 3.5 stars Charissa McCluskey-Garcia The Naked Painters continues at Studio at Bakehouse Theatre from 9pm until Sun 18 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe