Garry Shead 2024 Exhibition at The Little Gallery Bundeena

Sized DH Lawrence Study 5, (Frieda & 'Roo) OIl on Davnas, 13 x 18cm by Kim Cotton

An exhibition featuring the works of one of Australia’s most renowned artists has been launched  in Bundeena. Garry Shead 2024 is a solo exhibition for celebrated artist Garry Shead; the first to be held in his hometown. The exhibition is being held at The Little Gallery, a new art space connected to Little French Heart Store, which is located in the main street of Bundeena.

Annunciation, Colour Etching, 32 x 38cm, Basil Hall Editions
Annunciation, Colour Etching, 32 x 38cm, Basil Hall Editions

At age 82, Garry is a national treasure whose legacy of work speaks to generations of Australians. Recognised as the finest lyrical figurative painter of our time, he is an Archibald & Dobell prize winning artist and film director, and peer of notable artists including Brett Whiteley. His works are held by the Australian National Gallery, leading state and regional galleries as well as international collections.

Garry and his wife Rose attended a small launch held recently at The Little Gallery with guests from Bundeena, Maianbar, Sutherland, Cronulla and as far as the Southern Highlands, Newtown, the Eastern Suburbs and the Northern Beaches. Garry said it was wonderful to finally exhibit at a gallery in the same village where he has lived for more than 30 years.

“Every time I come to the gallery I love it,” he said. “The space, the colours and the light are beautiful.”

Sized Artist Garry Shead with Dr Luke Johnson Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, University of Wollongong 17 August 2024 Credit Peter Solness
Sized Artist Garry Shead with Dr Luke Johnson Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, University of Wollongong 17 August 2024 Credit Peter Solness

Garry Shead 2024 features newly painted works produced for the exhibition as a tribute to his original 1990s DH Lawrence series. Works include Creation, The Dance, The Envoy, The Secret, The Supper, The Writer and Thirroul. Black and white and coloured etchings from the Shead’s private collection are also part of the exhibition.

Art critics have likened the DH Lawrence series to those of Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly and Arthur Boyd’s Bride series in its conception of the new Australian myth. Dr Luke Johnson, senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of Wollongong, who gave a presentation on the exhibition’s opening night, said Garry is not only “an artist of intellect and emotion, but also one of brilliant technical capability, connecting earnest lyricism with cosmic mythology and joyful satire to tell stories that feel relevant, insightful and unashamedly Australian”.

Sized DH Lawrence Study 5, (Frieda & 'Roo) OIl on Davnas, 13 x 18cm by Kim Cotton
Sized DH Lawrence Study 5, (Frieda & ‘Roo) OIl on Davnas, 13 x 18cm by Kim Cotton

The Little Gallery owner Joe Meagher said it is a highlight and honour to have Garry Shead exhibit.

“He is an iconic Australian artist and my partner Kim and I are privileged to have his paintings and etchings on show.

The Secret 2024, by Garry Shead, oil on linen, 30 x 30cm
The Secret 2024, by Garry Shead, oil on linen, 30 x 30cm

“We believe the contribution and trust in our gallery from the Sheads will also help to support other artists who present their work here, in the beautiful natural Australian bush surroundings of
Bundeena.”

Garry Shead 2024 runs until 22 September 2024. The Little Gallery, 42 Brighton Street, Bundeena.