Dialectic Art is an approach I've developed through my experiences in visual art, music, performance, writing and teaching. I've since expanded this approach into RADE (Research, Arts, Dialectic Experiences), which informs much of my creative practice, teaching and ongoing research.

Central to Dialectic Art is the exploration of relationships between different, and sometimes opposing, ideas, emotions, experiences and perspectives. I'm particularly interested in what emerges when these elements interact, whether through painting, music, performance or everyday encounters.

One example is my Songs on Canvas exhibition at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. I created paintings inspired by songs I'd written, but rather than simply illustrating the emotions expressed in the music, I experimented with contrasting them. A sad song, for instance, might inspire a bright, colourful painting. These contrasts produced unexpected relationships between sound, emotion and visual expression, resulting in some of my most personally meaningful and well-received paintings.

I believe perception plays a fundamental role in artistic creation, preceding technique, flair and even talent. How we perceive and experience the world shapes not only the art we produce, but also how we understand ourselves and others.

Dialectic Art and RADE continue to inform my creative work, teaching and research. I'm currently exploring their further development through writing and the possibility of future doctoral research.

I've also discussed these ideas in The Dialectic Art Series, a three-part podcast recorded with two of my students, exploring how the approach can be applied across different artistic disciplines.

— Frank Sita

Artwork Exhibited Around Melbourne

Frank's paintings have been exhibited at cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout Melbourne, bringing his work into public spaces beyond traditional galleries.

The photographs below document selected exhibitions at venues including Soda Rock Diner, Splash Café at the Jam Factory, Osteria 20, Lyrebird Lounge, Rhythm & Tonic, and The Italian Chef.