You needn’t be an art aficionado to appreciate the incredible work of William Robinson. HOTA Gallery’s awe-inspiring new exhibition will see the artist’s entire Creation Series, produced over 16 years, presented together for the first time in its entirety. Widely regarded as his masterworks, the seven-piece series highlights the artist’s spiritual connection to the natural world and – through their symphonic composition – his love of classical music. Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson has been curated by former Governor-General and close friend of the artist Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and will feature a collection of monumental multi-panelled landscapes, including HOTA’s own The Rainforest, which inspired the unique design of the $60.5-million gallery.
Brisbane born and raised William Robinson AO, has been awarded both the Archibald and Wynne Prizes and is beloved for his widely renowned multi-perspectival canvases that transformed the way we view Australian landscape painting. HOTA’s chief executive officer Criena Gehrke described the art of William Robinson as a love letter to the Gold Coast, as much of his work was inspired by walks around his 208-acre farm on the western slopes of Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland. Lyrical Landscapes: The Art of William Robinson coincides with the artist’s 85th year and will be available to view until October 3 2021.
Image one: William Robinson, The Rainforest 1990 (detail), oil on canvas, 188.0 x 492.5 cm, Collection, HOTA Gallery. Acquired through funds from Gold Coast’s business and art loving community 1991 © Image courtesy the artist and Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane.
Image two: Greg Weight, William Robinson 1994, silver gelatin photograph, 69.7 x 89 cm, Collection, HOTA Gallery. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Patrick Corrigan AM 2004 © Greg Weight
Image three: William Robinson, Creation series – Man and the spheres 1991, triptych: oil on linen, triptych: 182.5 x 730.5 cm, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Purchased with funds provided by the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales 1994 © William Robinson/Philip Bacon Galleries, Photo: AGNSW, Carley Wright
Image four: William Robinson, The Creation series (series of 5 paintings) 1988, oil on linen, 147.2 x 193 cm (each), State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia
Purchased 1989.