Image above: Mary Tonkin Hot Kiss, Kalorama 2021 oil on linen 183 x 214 cm
Congratulations to Mary Tonkin who has been announced as the winner of the Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award in the 2022 Salon des Refusés.
In her artist statement, Tonkin noted that she painted Hot Kiss, Kalorama amid the backdrop of the pandemic and hours spent with her children in the bushlands surrounding her home in Kalorama, Victoria.
‘Hot kiss, Kalorama was made entirely en plein air in bush on my family’s farm at Kalorama in the Corhanwarrabul (Dandenong Ranges), East of Narrm (Melbourne) during late Summer and early Autumn. In this spot the bush is dominated by Brown Stringybark and Messmate gums with an understory of Prickly Currant Bush and Bracken Fern. It is named after the memory of a particular kiss; the somewhat shattering tingle and sparkle of which seemed alive in the forms as I painted them,’ Tonkin writes.
Presenting the award at the National Trust’s S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney, Holding Redlich’s Sydney Managing Partner, Stephen Trew, congratulated Mary for winning the People’s Choice Award.
‘Mary’s work draws your attention as soon as you enter the room,” Stephen said. ‘It’s an honour for Holding Redlich to recognise Mary tonight and present her with a very well-deserved People’s Choice Award.’
For more information, read the full media release from Holding Redlich.
Australian Galleries is thrilled to be presenting Hot Kiss, Kalorama, as a part of Mary’s exhibition at Sydney Contemporary 2022. For further information, please email Sydney@australiangalleries.com.au