Dobell and friends at TarraWarra

By Wendy Williamson

A fascinating look at the work of one of Australia’s most important 20th century artists can be enjoyed until mid-August at the TarraWarra Museum of Art outside Healesville.
‘Discovering Dobell’ features the art of William Dobell, whose art famously depicted the lives of everyday people, from the streets of Depression-era London to Sydney’s Kings Cross.
Curated by Christopher Heathcote, the exhibition demonstrates how Dobell developed ideas from sketches to paintings. In some instances previously unknown relationships between drawings, gouaches and important oils are identified.
In association with Wakefield Press, the museum has produced a major new publication to accompany the exhibition, featuring a new insightful analysis and appraisal of Dobell’s achievement by Christopher Heathcote.
The exhibition is on at TarraWarra until 13 August, accompanied in a perfect fit by ‘Dobell’s Circle,’ curated by Christopher Heathcote and Anthony Fitzpatrick.
This is an exhibition of paintings and drawings from the museum’s collection which features significant members of the lively community of artists William Dobell mixed with, highlighting how central he was to the mid-century Sydney scene.
TarraWarra Museum of Art is open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm at 311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Road, Tarrawarra.