GRAEME DRENDEL

Graeme Drendel's prescient paintings present a reinterpretation of the tradition of the figure in the landscape. Peopled with versions of 'everyman', whose every stance, expression and gesture is ripe with suggestion, Drendel's canvases are imbued with allegory and drama. Although reminiscent of the works of old masters, such as della Francesca and Courbet, these striking compositions speak of the present, and impel us to try to fathom the deeper meanings they suggest. Drendel allows his work to evolve without preconception. One pose or gesture suggests the next, and the whole is often set against the stripped, surreal landscape that also framed his rural Victorian youth. Via his rich colour sensibility and skilfully realistic rendering, this artist draws our attention to the theatre of life. Graeme Drendel has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia during his considerable career. He has been selected as a finalist in the Sulman prize in Sydney twice in recent years and can be found in collections such as Artbank in Sydney and the BHP Billition Collection in Melbourne, as well as in several regional galleries and many private collections throughout Australia and overseas. Drendel's life as an artist and teacher has been punctuated by travel to Italy, England and the United States.