Born in Melbourne in 1975, Rupert Betheras was a successful AFL footballer, playing for Collingwood before fully embracing an artistic career. Betheras was fortunate that his family’s interests lay with the creative arts too as he had the benefit of being involved in sport and the fostering of his early creative pursuits. Both endeavours were respected and encouraged.
Read MoreIn 1998, just after being drafted to the Collingwood football club, Rupert Betheras met Alcaston Gallery Director Beverly Knight, and a friendship based on sport and art developed. Beverly Knight began to observe his painting skills and encouraged him to continue his artistic pursuits. In 2008, Betheras joined the stable of artists at Alcaston Gallery.
Rupert Betheras paints like he played football; fast, furious, incredibly focused and with a passion that is full on. His work ethic too, as it was when playing, is to be admired, but his assertive mark making is now developing into something special and enduring. Art is Rupert Betheras’ way of making connections with people and place.
Betheras’ work is as much about what he feels as what he sees. Immersing himself in the rhythms and vitality of his environment, Betheras is mindful of the ancient songlines which give these places their spiritual weight. He recognises the limits of his own knowledge and understanding and engages with the approach of more recent comers who have set out to develop an intuitive and all encompassing response to the land.
Rupert Betheras’ work has been acquired by institutions including the University of Western Sydney and Deakin University Art Collection and Galleries, as well as many private collections.
