Victorian born Graeme Drendel’s figurative works are meditations on the isolated individual, often within the stark Australian landscape. His subjects are figures of solitude and introspection, even when depicted in groups or clusters. Their expression and attire are suggestive of larger obscured narratives, left to the viewer to decipher. Drendel has held seventeen solo exhibitions with Australian Galleries since 1990 in both Melbourne and Sydney. His work has been included in several group exhibitions including the Alice Prize (1985) and the Sulman Prize (2002). His work is held in the collections of Artbank, Newcastle Regional Gallery and the Bundannon Trust.
In this first detailed monograph of Graeme Drendel’s oeuvre Gavin Fry draws on the artist’s sketchbooks, diaries and unpublished photographs to explore the influences on his distinctive style. From recollections of his childhood in Ouyen, with the featureless skies of the Malle, through to the impact of Italian Renaissance artists Piero della Francesca and Masaccio, this publication brings together three decades of the artist’s work in a richly illustrated volume
First published in 2016 by Australian Galleries Publishing in association with Graeme Drendel. Hardcover, 207 pages, full colour illustrations.
Available for purchase [here].
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Image above (left to right): Graeme Drendel Portrait of Rick 2024 oil on canvas 41 x 31 cm | Michelle Hiscock …
Image above: Mary Tonkin The shimmer of Spring’s mellowing, Kalorama 2022-23 oil on linen 183 x 248 cm. Photographed by …
Australian Galleries is pleased to announce that Graeme Drendel, Terry Matassoni and Lewis Miller have been selected as Finalists in …
Image above: Orest Keywan That Line 2023 steel 168 x 271 x 190cm Congratulations to Orest Keywan, Michael Snape and …
Image above: Andrew Antoniou Weird & Wonderful 2024 charcoal on paper 82 x 88 cm Congratulations to Andrew Antoniou who …
Image above: Christine Wrest-Smith Portrait of Susan Johnson oil on linen 122 x 92cm Congratulations to Christine Wrest-Smith who has been …
Image above: Deborah Williams The air smells different 2023 aquatint intalgio 53×39.5cm Congratulations to Deborah Williams, Martin King and Phillip …
Above image details: Jenny Rodgerson Mum’s orange cardigan 2024 oil on linen 60 x 40 cm Congratulations to Jenny Rodgerson and …
Image above: Sarah Tomasetti From Balpatta X 2024 145 x 150 cm pigment oil and marble dust on fresco Congratulations to Holly …
Image above: Janet Luxton Giant Australian Cuttlefish 2021 oil on canvas 120x160cm Congratulations to Janet Luxton who has had two …
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 …