Melbourne, 17 Oct 2023 — 4 Nov 2023

35 Derby Street [PO Box 1183], Collingwood 3066

Recent Paintings
- Graeme Drendel

Recent paintings showcases an exceptional series of works, on canvas and on paper, by renowned painter Graeme Drendel. These engaging pictorial vignettes resonate with the mysterious atmosphere for which Drendel is celebrated. Drendel’s compelling works depict figures in isolation as well as in groups, poised within enigmatic scenarios that invite extended contemplation. At times perplexing, the narratives within these works echo poignantly as insightful observations of the complex human experience.

The landscape of Graeme’s childhood, the Mallee region in Victoria, often forms the backdrop to these unfolding narratives. In many of his his recent works, the absence of a figure is keenly felt, and in their place a singular object takes centre stage. These objects; a beautiully embroidered sofa, a rural water tank, or an antique Persian rug resonate with presence, leaving us to ponder their significance as metaphors for a broader reality, or in relationship to figures unseen. Both Drendel’s figurative and non-figurative works emanate a powerful, elusive atmosphere which evokes a uniquely personal response in each viewer.

‘Invariably, when we’re in a crowd of people we’re still very isolated. I do like the sense that these figures are vaguely connected but are very much lost in their own thoughts. The characters don’t know what’s going on themselves half the time – they are just as confused as we are. They are enclosed by the edge of a canvas, yet beyond, the vastness continues. It’s unsettling, why are these people gathered in a group in the middle of nowhere? …There’s a conscious humour in the paintings but also a lot of darkness. Those are the things that keep you interested. These figures have cavorted off into the landscape with each other. It’s that frustrating thing artists say – ‘it’s up to the viewer to interpret.’ – Excerpt from Graeme Drendel interview with Artist Profile, Issue 43, 2018

Graeme Drendel
Victorian born Graeme Drendel’s figurative works are meditations on the isolated individual, often within the …
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In Blog

2024 Salon des Refusés at S.H. Ervin Gallery

Image above (left to right): Graeme Drendel Portrait of Rick  2024 oil on canvas 41 x 31 cm | Michelle Hiscock …

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2023 Salon des Refusés at S.H. Ervin Gallery

Image above: Mary Tonkin  The shimmer of Spring’s mellowing, Kalorama  2022-23  oil on linen  183 x 248 cm. Photographed by …

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Graeme Drendel, Terry Matassoni and Lewis Miller – Finalists in the Doug Moran Portrait Prize

Australian Galleries is pleased to announce that Graeme Drendel, Terry Matassoni and Lewis Miller have been selected as Finalists in …

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Andrew Antoniou – Finalist in the Kedumba Drawing Award 2024

Image above: Andrew Antoniou Weird & Wonderful  2024 charcoal on paper 82 x 88 cm Congratulations to Andrew Antoniou who …

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Christine Wrest-Smith – finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize 2024

Image above: Christine Wrest-Smith Portrait of Susan Johnson oil on linen 122 x 92cm Congratulations to Christine Wrest-Smith who has been …

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Deborah Williams, Martin King and Phillip Edwards – finalists in Pro Hart Outback Art Prize

Image above: Deborah Williams The air smells different 2023 aquatint intalgio 53×39.5cm Congratulations to Deborah Williams, Martin King and Phillip …

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Jenny Rodgerson & Peter Wegner – Finalists in The Lester Prize 2024

Above image details: Jenny Rodgerson Mum’s orange cardigan  2024 oil on linen 60 x 40 cm Congratulations to Jenny Rodgerson and …

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Holly Grace & Sarah Tomasetti – Finalists in the 2024 Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize

Image above: Sarah Tomasetti From Balpatta X 2024 145 x 150 cm pigment oil and marble dust on fresco Congratulations to Holly …

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Janet Luxton – Finalist in the Artists for Conservation International Exhibition

Image above:  Janet Luxton  Giant Australian Cuttlefish  2021  oil on canvas  120x160cm Congratulations to Janet Luxton who has had two …

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Wayne Eager – Interview in Studio National

Above image: Wayne Eager, Allegory I  2023 oil on linen 95 x 133 cm Wayne Eager was interviewed by Janet …

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Omina Art Prize Finalists – Kate Hudson, Martin King, Robin Stewart and Marina Strocchi

Image above: Marina Strocchi The vineyards of Madden’s Lane 2023 acrylic on linen 122 x 152 cm Congratulations to Kate …

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Jennifer Keeler-Milne – Ravenswood Art Prize Finalist

Congratulations to Jennifer Keeler – Milne for being selected as a finalist in the Ravenswood Art Prize 2024 for her …

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Introducing the Sydney Stock Rooms

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