Rodney Forbes is is fascinated by how people tell stories. His vibrant paintings address deeply poignant subject matter through dreamlike and surreal imagery. Figures and objects float against his trademark palette of bright, luminous colours, drawing the viewer in to explore a rich narrative. Drawing on both autobiographical and historical events, Forbes has the masterful ability to portray sometimes dark and challenging subject matter through vibrant, cartoon-like imagery, resulting in deeply engaging works that invite extended contemplation.
Rodney Forbes’ work is held in the collection of the Australian National Gallery, Canberra, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artbank, several regional galleries and numerous private collections in Australia and internationally. He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Arts and Education at Federation University Australia and was previously the Director of Gippsland Centre for Art and Design and Switchback Gallery at Monash University. His work has been the subject of two major curated survey exhibitions and he has been the recipient of an Australia Council Arts and Crafts Board New Work Grant. Forbes has been active in the curation of numerous indigenous exhibitions and cross-cultural art projects.
Photograph of Rodney Forbes by Richard Dodson
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Image above: Publication cover detail, featuring Wayne Viney Clearing storm 2000 monotype on paper 17.5 x 17.4 cm A number …
Image above: Rodney Forbes Shrove Monday 2010 oil on canvas 122 x 138 cm (private collection) In a collaboration between …
Image above: Rodney Forbes A Submariner Dreams of Home 2020 oil on canvas Congratulations to Rodney Forbes who has been …
Julian Twigg is the successful applicant for an artist residency at Lighthouse Arts, Nobbys-Whibayganba, Newcastle. In anticipation of his 2023 …
Camie Lyons Stick Figures (keepers) bronze in situ at the North Sydney Art Prize Coal Loader site In the North Sydney …
Congratulations to Graeme Drendel, Michelle Hiscock, Martin King, Glenn Morgan, Mary Tonkin and Christine Wrest-Smith who are included in the …
David Frazer Love letter (panels 1 and 2) 2020 lino-cut 100 x 148 cm Congratulations to David Frazer, who …
Martin King Tree of life, unsuccessful species 2021 dry point, chine colle and hand colouring 168 x 165 cm …
Janet Luxton Orange bellied parrot 2016 oil on linen 120 x 156 cm Congratulations to artist Janet Luxton who …
Lewis Miller Deborah Conway oil on linen 137.5 x 122 cm Congratulations to Lewis Miller who has been selected as …
“Whatever I create is a musing on persona, contemplation about individuality and the notion of modification.” – Rona Green We …
Marina Strocchi Elgee Park 2022 acrylic on hand made recycled Indian rag paper 56 x 76 cm Congratulations to Marina …
Image at top: Jennifer Keeler Milne Jacaranda Mimosifolia 2021 oil on linen 92 x 198 cm Congratulations to …
