Robyn Sweaney, Mermaid Dreaming, 2023. Acrylic on poly cotton, 28 x 36cm. Courtesy: the artist and Anthea Polson Art, QLD.

Paradise lost is a small series of paintings of original Gold Coast houses, some are gone (demolished), and some still exist….maybe?

These types of houses were once a common feature of the streets and suburbs along the southern Queensland coast, each are unique and evoke a past era of relaxed beachside living. Some are simple beach shacks and others a little more stylish with echoes of the influence of the modernist movement particularly from the post-war era. Sloped skillion and ‘butterfly’ roofs, striped awnings, stone feature walls and chimneys and decorative panels, iron or brick work.

The last few years has seen a boom in development and demand for more condensed and largescale buildings subsequently land values have skyrocketed meaning a loss of many of these last remaining vestiges of these past simple beachside streetscapes and houses. They are just but a fading memory of another time and lifestyle.

Opening Event: Saturday 18 March, 3 – 5pm.

Follow this artist