Davida Allen and William Robinson, two of Australia's leading painters, are not only both Archibald winners and Queenslanders but have been friends for over 40 years.
Although they share their thoughts about the art world and their work, their painting styles and personalities are very different - which might be part of the secret to their long friendship.
Davida's current show with Philip Bacon Galleries in Brisbane runs until 28 March 2020 and William Robinson will be showing with the Gallery later this year. This interview focuses on Davida's show and an in-depth interview with William Robinson will be posted closer to his exhibition. Bill is one of Australia’s most important internationally acclaimed painters so to obtain his insights into Davida’s work was an absolute privilege.
Apart from winning the Archibald, Davida is also a four time finalist in the prize and has had 3 major survey exhibitions of her work, most recently in 2018. She’s had over 20 solo shows and her work is held in nearly every major state gallery as well as the National Gallery of Australia and the MOMA in New York. She’s also a novelist and has written and directed an internationally acclaimed film.
William Robinson is one of Australia's significant painters. He has won the Archibald prize twice, the Wynne prize twice and and his work is held in over 30 public collections across the world. He is the first Australian artist to have a gallery dedicated to his works – the William Robinson Gallery is located in historic Old Government House in Brisbane.
We met in William Robinson’s magnificent studio at his home in Brisbane.
To hear our conversation click on the play button beneath the above photo.
Current and upcoming shows
'Davida Allen', Philip Bacon Galleries until 28 March 2020'William Robinson', Philip Bacon Galleries, 23 June - 18 July 2020'By the Book', William Robinson Gallery, 2 July - June 2021
Show Notes
Davida Allen at Philip Bacon GalleriesWilliam Robinson at Philip Bacon GalleriesWilliam Robinson at Australian GalleriesWilliam Robinson GalleryBetty ChurcherRay HughesRembrandtEdgar DegasSam NeillPicassoHenri SennelierPhilip Bacon Davida Allen interviewed by Sarah Kanowski on ABC's Conversations
Davida Allen works
'Dr John Arthur Mckelvie Shera', 1986, oil on canvas, 230.5 x 187cmWinner, 1986 Archibald Prize, AGNSW
'Watching chooks', 2020, oil pastel on Saunders Waterford paper, 75 x 100cm
'Philip Bacon, art dealer, reading a letter from Barry Humphries', 2003, oil on canvas, 206 x 150Finalist 2003 Archibald Prize, AGNSW
'DEATH of my father' 1982, oil on canvas, 165.4 x 280cmPermanent Collection, National Gallery of Victoria
'I dream of Sam Neill when I go to bed', 1986, gouache and black chalk, 50 x 71.6cmPermanent Collection, National Gallery of Victoria
William Robinson Works
'Equestrian self-portrait', 1987, oil on canvas, 141 x 192cmWinner Archibald Prize 1987
'Self-portrait with stunned mullet', 1995, oil on canvas, 197 x 164cmWinner Archibald Prize 1995
'The Blue Pools, Springbrook to Beechmont', 2000, oil on linen, 203 x 259cm , Laverty Collection, Sydney
Farmyard with Corner Shed, 2016, gouache on paper, 46 x 61cm
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