Book Description

This exhibition catalogue accompanies HOTA Gallery's second major exhibition, which celebrates one of Australia's greatest landscape painters, and living artists, William Robinson AO. In 1984 Robinson took up residence on a 208-acre farm on the western slopes of Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland. There, he would walk around and observe the surrounding sub-tropical rainforest, creating a time of reflection that revealed both the subtle pleasures and epic grace of the natural world around him. These experiences underpinned by his gentle curiosity inspired Robinson, a painter and pianist, to create monumental canvases that twisted Australian landscape painting in a thoroughly new direction. He created unforgettable art that speaks to his deep fascination with, and transformative expression of, the Queensland landscape. Classical music is an ever-present source of inspiration for the artist. He plays the piano often and listens intently to Bach, Strauss and Brahms, amongst others. Turning to his easel, Robinson paints landscapes that echo the complex compositions of these classical greats. He is attentive to the subtleties of musical compositions, and their appearance in his paintings are silences, inversions, tones, texture, rhythm, and form. The ability of both music and art to elevate the senses, and create a perception of wonder and enchantment, are faithful companions in the paintings of Robinson. Together through the generosity of private collectors and public collections, the entire Creation series produced over 16 years, will be presented together for the first time as the centrepiece of the exhibition in an experience that highlights the artist's spiritual connection to the natural world, and his love of classical music. Former Governor-General and proud Queenslander Quentin Bryce AD CVO is the guest curator of the exhibition, exploring and celebrating William Robinson's abiding love of music and painting in his transformative expression of the Queensland landscape.