“I try to paint only as much as I know. Now and again I seem to extend myself, not through research or experimentation but more through a gameness to jump backwards – to break a manner that develops and so leads away from my taste, by stating both, literally and arbitrarily.”
– Peter Powditch, 1969
Peter Powditch (1942 – 2022) was an immensely original artist and was one of the best known and highly regarded artists in Sydney. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s with imagery depicting the quintessential Australian beach culture, in particuIar the bikini-clad figures which achieved widespread and critical acclaim for their radically simplified forms and bright colours.
In contrast, by the 1990s his work had evolved into small, pastel landscape paintings and at the time of his recent passing, Powditch was making complex three dimensional collages.
Australian Galleries, in association with the Estate of Peter Powditch and Defiance Gallery, is honoured to present a collection of works celebrating Peter’s long and illustrious career, including pieces from the famed Sun Torso and Sprint series, as well as recent works.
Photo ot artist courtesy of the Estate of Peter Powditch