Miss Peabody in the Pub 2011

Steve Cox
Curated by Julia Powles

Miss Peabody in the pub is based in the idea of the ‘tall story’; the narrative that emerges through conversation, unfolding across and woven through the larger narratives of our daily lives.

The stories told in the pub waft overhead and form into a fabric of overheard snippets. People reveal everything as the night goes on. The man across the table will boast about his business dealings, while the woman over there will discuss her lover; hopes, disappointments and triumphs fill the spaces between customers and ignite our imaginations. Steve Cox’s quirky, tragic-funny risqué short stories made from pages torn out of thrift-shop novels are reflective of the time spent spinning yarns with mates in the pub. Through a process of rearrangement Cox seeks another story, one based in word and phrase associations that emerge from the original text.

Throughout his career Steve Cox’s work has focused on psychological insights into the complexity of human existence. Fundamental to Cox’s practice is a desire to understand the individual within society and in turn the impact that society can have on the individual. Cox trained at the VCA and has held numerous solo and group exhibitions. His work is represented in major collections including the Australian National Gallery, The National Gallery of Victoria and the Ian Potter Foundation. As well as being the recipient of Australia Council grants and residencies, Cox has been an influential teacher throughout his career.

Miss Peabody in the Pub is part of the Lincoln Hotel Art Projects, an ongoing  collaboration with the Ian Potter Museum of Art, University of Melbourne.
Steve Cox is represented by Anna Pappas Gallery