A UNIQUE exhibition showcasing well-known and never-before exhibited works by one of Australia’s most famous landscape artists opens this weekend at TarraWarra Museum of Art (TWMA).
The Russell Drysdale: Defining the Modern Australian Landscape exhibition opens on Saturday 19 October and will run until 9 February, with more than 35 of the artist’s works on display.
Art historian and critic Doctor Christopher Heathcote, who is an authority on Drysdale’s work, will curate the exhibition, which is the culmination of years of work.
Drysdale’s works have been borrowed from private and public collections from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Carrick Hill Trust, National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Queensland Art Gallery, along with TWMA’s own collection.
Along with his prominent paintings, a selection of the artist’s drawings and almost 100 of the Drysdale’s own photographs of the Australian landscape will be part of the exhibition.
Drysdale, who was born in England in 1912, came to Australia at the age of 11 and after meeting artist Daryl Lindsay, studied art and established himself as one of Australia’s most prominent artists.
Many of his works focus on deep concern for the dispossession of aboriginal Australians and have gone on to influence numerous contemporary artists.
TWMA director Victoria Lynn said that Drysdale’s works raise many questions about living in the harsh environments of outback Australia.
“They powerfully convey his abiding fascination with the resilience of people and their connection to the land,” she said.
A new publication written by Dr Heathcote, which shares the name of the exhibition, will be launched when the exhibition begins, and explores Drysdale’s approach to landscape imagery, among other themes.
The exhibition will open on Saturday 19 October and finish on 9 February at TarraWarra Museum of Art, at 311-315 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Healesville.
For more information, call 5957 3100 or visit www.twma.com.au.
