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: Christine Wrest-Smith Jars of glass 2023 oil on linen 76.5 x 76.5 cm Congratulations to Sue Anderson, Dale …
Image above: Rodney Forbes Return of the Moth Man 2021 oil on canvas 46 x 35 cm. Rodney Forbes is …
Image above: Rodney Forbes The war that never went away 2022 oil on canvas 35 x 71 cm We are …
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 …
