Robert Ryan, Overpass, 2020. Oil on board, 30 x 50cm. Courtesy: the artist and Anthea Polson Art, Queensland.

The underlying theme in Robert Ryan‘s paintings has always been about the relationship to one’s surroundings. While preparing to commence the first works for his exhibition, news of the unfolding health crises overseas assailed his creative musings. With Ryan’s initial intentions ‘hijacked by circumstance’, he embarked on works with a more sociological context. Overpass was the first of them and relates to media coverage of the flagrant behaviour of Bondi beachgoers in March. Ryan explains, “I wanted to see how it felt to paint a crowd scene at a time when to be in a crowd was illegal… strange days!”

The gallery is open and practicing COVID-19 social distancing measures. The exhibition can also be viewed online. View the exhibition here.

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