Wynne Prize finalist dwells on Australian identity
10 May 2019
Robyn Sweaney’s new exhibition opens at Tweed Regional Gallery
Based in Mullumbimby in Northern NSW, artist Robyn Sweaney draws inspiration from the suburban mundane of rural and urban environments, creating artworks that explore the complexities of Australian identity and place.
The title of her new exhibition at the Tweed Regional Gallery, Dwell, refers to Sweaney’s house portraits and also her lingering obsession with her chosen subject matter over the years. Dwell opens at the Tweed Regional Gallery on Friday 24 May 2019.
Sweaney said, “I have realised now that even though the exhibition is not a retrospective as such, it certainly is reflecting on what I have been doing and thinking in my practice over the past 15 years.” The exhibition of paintings and drawings includes current, as well as some earlier work, including sketches and notes.
In some of her most recent work Sweaney has painted still lifes using collected unwanted ceramics and dried coastal foliage. Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM said “Robyn’s paintings are not simply picturesque still lifes. She is interested in the stories that objects and places can evoke.”
Robyn Sweaney has been the finalist of major awards including in the Wynne Prize, Sulman Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Award, Moran Portrait Prize, Salon Des Refusés, Fleurieu Art Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize, Paddington Art Prize and the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Prize (JADA).
Her work is held in public and private collections throughout Australia including the Tweed Regional Gallery.
Events
Official Opening, Friday 31 May, 6-8pm
All are welcome to attend the official opening celebrations held in conjunction with Art Deco from the National Collection: The world turns modern and Digby Moran: Painting Place.
In-Conversation, Sunday 14 July, 2pm
The Gallery will be hosting an In-Conversation with the artist and architectural and design historian and mid-century aficionado, Annalisa Capurro, aka Ms Modernism. The event is free, however bookings are recommended: www.trybooking.com/BCCGL
Downloads
Photo 1(JPG, 91KB)
Caption: Robyn Sweaney, Summers past 2017, acrylic on polycotton, 70 x 50cm.
Photo 2(JPG, 92KB)
Caption: Robyn Sweaney, Crossroad 2019, acrylic on poly cotton, 40 x 50cm.