Peter and I recently visited the Art Gallery of NSW to view the Archibald Prize for portraiture exhibition. Running at the same time were the Wynne Prize and Sulman Prize exhibitions. We both admired a finalist for the Wynne Prize called “Recycle”. The entry was a simple picture of a pile of carton boxes against the blue horizon, with a workman on his phone in the background. What stood out was the photograph-like quality of the work, plus the beauty in such an ordinary scene. It reminded us of the works of the famous Australian painter, Jeffrey Smart. Looking around further, we realized that the same painter was a finalist for the Sulman Prize. This time his entry was called “Teamwork”, which depicted 3 cherry pickers converging on an electrical pole with 3 guys watching from the ground. Once again, it was beautiful.
The name of the painter is Peter Smets. I found out that he was associated with the Schubert Contemporary Gallery in the Gold Coast. I checked out their website, and found other works by him from his most recent exhibition called “Men at Work” still available for sale. I decided to purchase a smaller work called “Repack”, which had similarities to his Wynne Prize entry. Here is a picture of it.
The name of the painter is Peter Smets. I found out that he was associated with the Schubert Contemporary Gallery in the Gold Coast. I checked out their website, and found other works by him from his most recent exhibition called “Men at Work” still available for sale. I decided to purchase a smaller work called “Repack”, which had similarities to his Wynne Prize entry. Here is a picture of it.
I never thought I would buy an artwork without physically seeing it, but I had no choice in this case. The painting has arrived, and I absolutely love it. I think Peter Smets may be big one day.
