Rick Gruin: Then and Now
Published July 2, 2021

Exhibition dates: 9 August – 6 September, 2021

Official opening: Saturday 21st August, 3-6 pm

 View exhibition catalogue

This exhibition will feature a cross-section of paintings from his more than 60 years of arts practice. Online catalogue available shortly. Contact the gallery to express interest in previewing this incredible body of work.

Born in Queensland, Rick’s first contact with artists was with Jon Molvig in Spring Hill in 1962. He graduated as an architect in 1964, moving to Balmain, Sydney where he worked as an architect for five years. After two years of world travelling he settled in Deia, Mallorca, Spain, which was a vibrant and diverse creative community with many artists, writers, musicians and galleries.

In 1973 Rick returned to Paddington, Sydney. He had an exhibition of paintings at the Bonython Gallery in Sydney and later at his studio in Foxground. He travelled and lived between Spain and Sydney for several years and had exhibitions at galleries in Mallorca. His paintings are mainly held in private collections in England, Europe, USA, and also Australia.

In 1985 the family returned to Brisbane where he completed numerous commissions for private clients. From 1990 until 2003 he re-commenced his architectural practice, building a residence and studio complex in the Sunshine Coast where he and his ceramicist wife reside and continue their art practice. Rick’s development as an artist has been strongly influenced by contact with contemporary artists and the great modern art museums of Europe.

His painting styles reflect sixty years of drawing figures, landscapes and city environments. Abstract expressionist and other paintings reference modern art of the twentieth century; artists such as Matisse, Fairweather, de Kooning and Francis Bacon.

He brings to his art the vitality and exuberance of aspects of life, landscape and contemporary human culture which is reflected in the colours, techniques and content of the paintings.