Forage

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Forage

Forage is Andrea Huelin‘s newest Michael Reid Sydney exhibition and is the first to follow the artist’s 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize win earlier this year. In May, Andrea Huelin made national news when her delightful portrait of Cal Wilson was awarded the prize, thrusting her work into nationwide collecting conversations.

Forage is Huelin’s first exhibition since the prize win, and is described by the artist as being a love letter to her home of 28 years, borrowing from the gladdening sights of tropical North Queensland domesticity. For the first time, Huelin incorporates patterned backdrops in her paintings, illustrating vintage wallpaper designs that were prominent throughout her childhood. This delightful creative departure introduces a refreshing dimension to Andrea Huelin’s oeuvre, and once again demonstrates her superior understanding of form, narrative, colour and light.

Those interested in discussing an acquisition are encouraged to be in touch by emailing danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au. A selection of paintings from Forage have also recently exhibited at Sydney Contemporary 2023, which took place at Carriageworks in early September.

On Thursday, 21 September, Michael Reid Sydney will host an evening reception at the Gallery to celebrate Huelin’s exhibition. For more information about attending our event, please email danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au

Alice Watson | Spring Paintings

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Alice Watson | Spring Paintings

  • Gallery Location
    Offsite & Museum

Alice Watson’s colour-drenched Spring Paintings chime with their namesake season. They bring to mind the distinct feeling of buoyancy when we thaw out from winter – and after the thawing:  a terrific energy and sense of possibility.

Watson’s works are inventive and elegant – made ever more striking against the bronze and steel fittings of the La Cornue showroom in Surry Hills, Sydney – where Spring Paintings is on show. 

We first took notice of the artist through our inaugural National Emerging Art Prize (NEAP) platform, where her Three Chairs  2021 placed as a finalist. This year, Alice was called on to produce a collection of works for our dedicated NEAP booth at the Affordable Art Fair, a project which has culminated in this beautiful exhibition. 

I talk to Alice from her home in Albury about the driving force behind Spring Paintings, the importance of staying the course directly after (and between) prize acknowledgments and the artists that inspire her to set paint to canvas. Her replies, edited for length, are interspersed among photographs below:

Q: I’m interested in how you came to arrive at your style and aesthetic. Can you talk me through this process?

A: I’ve always been fascinated by a form filled with a solid colour. You might notice that there is very little evidence of blurred paint in my work. One of my main techniques is to draw with my left hand in permanent marker (to acquire a sense of freedom) but paint with my right hand (to maintain a sense of form).

I feel the need to have a sense of expression but control in my work. When I was a child I would reduce the shape of a watermelon to the bare minimum with ‘puff paint’ on a t-shirt. (very 80’s). I did screen printing in my HSC, drawn to the idea of clear cut lines and shapes. My later career move to become a graphic designer, as Adobe and Apple were changing the face of design in computers, The later career move to become a graphic designer, as Adobe and Apple were changing the face of design in computers, was also exciting to me. The idea of solid blocks of colour to create an aesthetic.

In those days it was not considered artistic to play with pixels but I still looked at a line on a canvas as I did a zoomed in photograph in photoshop or a vector in Illustrator, with wonderment. Stencils and aerosol paint was also another medium I toyed with. Always a contained line. The challenge was to find a way to bring life and expression to a 2D plane. And I was always considering how this could be achieved with a brush and paint.

Q: Can you speak to the genesis of Spring Paintings?

A: . I am drawn to arrangements of food or flowers with strong shadows as if I was looking through a view finder on a camera.  My subject matter is a nostalgic thing from my childhood. I come from a strong line of cooks, gardeners and creatives. I just love the arrangements and shapes and I have an overwhelming sense of getting into my studio once I have an image that speaks to me.

Q: You were selected as a finalist in the inaugural National Emerging Art Prize (2021) for your work Three Chairs. Can you tell me how this prize came to your attention?

A: One day I started listening to the Interview with an Artist podcast on my drive ‘back from town’. It was Willy Russo interviewing Amber Creswell Bell. They were discussing the prize and I rushed around over the next few days to write an artist statement and get my painting to Sydney.

Q:  How has your practice developed in the intervening years after you achieved finalist honours at NEAP?

A: Since the first National Emerging Art Prize, I just kept painting. No real choice in the matter. I need to paint as a kind of therapy. I have had a lot of trauma and hardship in my life as well as a recent ADHD diagnosis. Painting is my strong hold. A link to a healthy mental space. NEAP was a a huge compliment and moral booster, and the response I get locally at my solo shows is also wonderful. But I paint because I need to. When Amber emailed me regarding the Affordable Art Fair I was thrilled. But I already had work ready to go. I just paint in my studio as much as I can.

Q:  No artist is an island. Are there particular painters, Australian or otherwise, that motivate you?

A: When I started thinking seriously about how to paint (in the same fashion as manipulatimg a computer picture or a spayed stencil ) it was Zoe Young’s work that was a lightening bolt moment. I had this culmination in my head of an expressive line from Matisse, ripped up pieces of flat coloured paper and a pile of chewed apples cores from my kids as subject matter. But is was considering Zoe’s work technically, that helped me take the big leap with a paint brush. I also covet John Bokor, Jane Guthleben, Stephen Ormandy, Laura Jones, Catherine Cassidy, Thomas Lineker and Kate Vella.

On the emerging artist front, and particulary from the NEAP: Brooke Whelan, Jennifer Rosnell, Andrea Sinclair, Sue Tesoriero, Emily Gordon, Sophie Witter and Julz Beresford.

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Andrea Huelin

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Andrea Huelin

Earlier this year, Andrea Huelin made national news when her delightful portrait of Cal Wilson was awarded the 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize. This career-defining moment thrust Huelin’s work into mainstream collecting conversations and has since seen the Cairns-based painter amass significant patronage.

At Sydney Contemporary 2023, Andrea Huelin will present a small selection of paintings from her upcoming Michael Reid Sydney exhibition, Forage, which the artist describes as a love letter to her home of 28 years. This exciting preview will see more than 35,000 visitors obtain a small glimpse into our mid-September solo exhibition.

Huelin’s bright, graphic and lovely painterly techniques beautifully capture the character of her tropical North Queensland garden, set against vintage wallpaper designs that were prominent throughout her childhood.

Those wishing to see an exclusive preview of Andrea Huelin’s new paintings are invited to be in touch by emailing danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Carly Le Cerf

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Carly Le Cerf

Following her immensely successful solo exhibition at Michael Reid Sydney in April, West Australian painter Carly Le Cerf embarked on an immersive excursion to the Simpson Desert for inspiration for her newest collection of paintings. This year will be the second occasion Le Cerf will participate at Sydney Contemporary, once again impressing audiences with her expertly crafted encaustic wax landscape paintings.

On view this year will be the largest examples of the artist’s work ever exhibited, including a monumental multi-panel painting of Adelaide Hills, SA.

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Joseph McGlennon

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Joseph McGlennon

Drawing on the primal tooth and claw drama of a 17th-century European deer hunt, reimagined in the New World of Colonial Australia, Joseph McGlennon’s The Hunt demonstrates a departure from the orthodox rules of contemporary photography. Paying homage to the great Flemish painter Frans Snyders, The Hunt is an arresting, impeccably composed master narrative that in every way demonstrates McGlennon’s unparalleled talent.

For information about Joseph McGlennon artworks that will exhibit at Sydney Contemporary 2023, please email tobymeagher@michaelreid.com.au 

 

 

 

Sydney Contemporary 2023: John Honeywill

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: John Honeywill

It is our great privilege to welcome renowned Brisbane-based painter John Honeywill back to Sydney Contemporary for 2023. This significant collection of new oil paintings is the first to show in Sydney since Honeywill’s sell-out exhibition at Michael Reid in 2022.

John Honeywill is, in all respects, a master of his craft. In our Sydney Contemporary collection, the artist casts his methodical hand upon florals, cakes, shells, and stones. Historically, John Honeywill exhibitions sell out prior to commencing, with similar results expected for Sydney Contemporary 2023.

Those interested in acquiring a new John Honeywill painting are strongly encouraged to be in touch now. Please email danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au to start a conversation.

Sydney Contemporary 2023: India Mark

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: India Mark

Wollongong based painter India Mark will present a selection of new still life paintings at Sydney Contemporary 2023. This will also be the very first exhibition of her work with Michael Reid Gallery.

India Mark joined the Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin stable in 2022 and brought with her an abundance of career achievements, including being shortlisted for the Archibald Prize on two occasions.

For more information about works of art by India Mark please email danielsoma@michaelreid.com.au

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Owen Yalandja

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Owen Yalandja

Following the spectacular news of his 2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards win (bark painting category), anticipation for Owen Yalandja’s newest works of art is at an all-time high. Yalandja’s NATSIAA win for Ngalkodjek Yawkyawk has amplified the artist’s profile and further validates the outstanding vision that Yalandja possesses. On view at Sydney Contemporary will be a large selection of new Yawkyawk sculptures, each adorned with painted embellishments, surgical in precision. Our installation will dazzle audiences and is set to be a fair highlight in 2023.

Works of art by Owen Yalandja are currently available to preview on request. Any person interested in collecting new work by Owen Yalandja is strongly encouraged to be in touch. Please email tobymeagher@michaelreid.com.au for more information.

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Gaypalani Wanambi

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Gaypalani Wanambi

Yolŋu artist Gaypalani Wanambi returns to Sydney Contemporary in 2023 with a presentation of new works on metal. Wanambi is the leading female practitioner within the ‘found movement’, which sees roadside material found in East Arnhem Land repurposed as contemporary art. Gaypalani Wanambi’s incomparable vision was guided by her late father, Mr Wanambi, and has positioned her as one of Australia’s most coveted new contemporary artists.

Examples of Gaypalani Wanambi’s work have been recently acquired by The Powerhouse Museum collection and later this year she will exhibit in a major exhibition at Bundanon Museum. Gaypalani Wanambi is also a current finalist in the 2023 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA).

For a preview of new works by Gaypalani Wanambi, please email tobymeagher@michaelreid.com.au

Sydney Contemporary 2023: Tamara Dean

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Sydney Contemporary 2023: Tamara Dean

At Sydney Contemporary 2022, Tamara Dean awed audiences with her Palace of Dreams presentation, a milestone series of photographs composed with the use of an underwater photographic studio. This body of work was directed with acute precision, affirming Dean’s reputation as one of the world’s most respected photographic innovators. For this year’s Sydney Contemporary art fair, Dean further explores this technique by exhibiting new work of figures suspended in space and time.

Tamara Dean’s participation at Sydney Contemporary 2023 follows 12 months of rigorous studio practice, a major museum exhibition and cross-discipline collaboration. The Suspended Moment, Dean’s exhibition that is on view at Michael Reid Sydney until 31 August, saw the artist develop the magic concept of ‘kinetic’ still life compositions. This exhibition also debuted the artist’s delicately designed fragrance, produced in collaboration with Ainslie Walker. Tamara Dean’s major monograph was published by Thames & Hudson in late 2022, coinciding with Leave Only Footprints, Dean’s mid career survey exhibition at MAPh: Museum of Australian Photography, Melbourne. Tamara Dean is also a current finalist in the 2023 Bowness Photography Prize.

For a preview of Tamara Dean’s new work, please email tobymeagher@michaelreid.com.au

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