Painter and draughtsman Christine Wrest-Smith studied at Monash University, with a semester at the Prato, Italy. Her realistic paintings and drawings are an exploration of personal territory using the birds nest as a metaphor to examine the process of construction, shelter and space. Each nest is a combination of strength and fragility, its individual characteristics beautifully rendered in paint or charcoal. Wrest-Smith varies her technique to match the personality of the individual nest, those put together with haste are loosely drawn, while those which were meticulously constructed are built up with precise layers of paint as they would have been made with exacting layers of twigs. What began as construction by one being has now become an expression through the process of construction by another. Wrest-Smith’s works have been exhibited in Melbourne and Italy. She was awarded the Savage Club Prize in 2010 and the Masterworks Contemporary Art Prize in 2011. She has completed several portrait commissions and her work is held in public and private collections.
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Image above: Christine Wrest-Smith Jars of glass 2023 oil on linen 76.5 x 76.5 cm Congratulations to Sue Anderson, Dale …
Image above: Mullock Heaps, Lightening Ridge 2022 oil on linen 91 x 122 cm. Image courtesy of the artist. …
Image above: Mary Tonkin After, Kalorama 2021 oil on linen 183 x 320 cm We are delighted to share this …
Above image: Wayne Eager, Allegory I 2023 oil on linen 95 x 133 cm Wayne Eager was interviewed by Janet …
Image above: Marina Strocchi The vineyards of Madden’s Lane 2023 acrylic on linen 122 x 152 cm Congratulations to Kate …
Congratulations to Jennifer Keeler – Milne for being selected as a finalist in the Ravenswood Art Prize 2024 for her …
Australian Galleries is thrilled to introduce our most recent gallery space ~ the Sydney Stock Rooms. Located directly opposite our …
In a fascinating artist interview for Sculpture by the Sea, Jimmy Rix shares insights into the themes which inspired his …
Portrait of Julian Twigg by Peter Lamont Filmmaker Peter Lamont of Handmade Films has created a wonderful short film on …
Martin King ledger of the lost years ‘24 and ‘25′ N.D graphite, watercolour and gouache on drafting film and paper …
Image above: Dianne Fogwell Prescience 2023 linocut and woodcut 4,500 x 145 cm – installation at Geelong Gallery Congratulations to …
Image above: Raymond Arnold Congratulations to Raymond Arnold, who has been Highly Commended in the 2024 Glover Prize, and to …
Image above: Greg Johns The Kiss (Buried Alive) 2022-23 Corten steel 140 x 486 x 18cm “Congratulations to Greg Johns …