Russell Drysdale

1912 - 1981

Biography

One of Australia's most important artists, Drysdale exhibited widely both in Australia and overseas, including the Venice Biennale of 1954. He was knighted for his services to Australian art in 1969. His art was shaped by his experience of the Australian landscape and he gained popular recognition for his depictions of the outback, especially images of the tragic consequences of drought-striken land in the 1940s. In the 1950s and 60s, Drysdale travelled widely across Northern and Western Australia with his wife and son. His images of the landscape inspired by such expeditions reveal the poetic and spiritual qualities which still influence the vision of outback Australia today.

For audiences in Australia and abroad, Drysdale's paintings of the 1940s to the 1970s reflected the essence of Australia and its people.
When Drysdale died in 1981 he was regarded as a national hero. His art was widely known and greatly admired, and his popularity exceeded that of his contemporaries. In his distinctive style Drysdale created images of loneliness, hardship and resilience, infused with pathos and humour, which seemed to cut across all social barriers and tastes. (extract from Smith, G., Russell Drysdale: 1912-81, National Gallery of Victoria, 1997, p.9)

Exhibitions

'''1959

Christmas Exhibition, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Easter Exhibition, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

2nd Anniversary ExhibitionTerry Clune Galleries, Sydney

1958

Christmas Exhibition, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Waratah Spring Festival Exhibition, Commonwealth Bank, Sydney

1957

Christmas Exhibition, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Back Room Show, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

1956

Christmas Exhibition, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Sir Lionel Lindsay and Pictures from the Back Room, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Show of Sixes, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Paintings from the Back Room, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

1955

Christmas Selection II, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Christmas Selection I, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Sydney Painting 1955, organised by Macquarie Galleries at Victorian Artists' Society, Melbourne

Easter 1955, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney

Bathurst Art Prize

1954

Christmas 1954, Macquarie Galleries, Sydney