26 May – 11 June 2022
about the exhibition
Over extended periods of solitude in recent, uncertain times, Madeleine Winch found herself increasingly appreciative of the sanctuary of home, grateful for the beauty of the humble objects around her and the small creature comforts that provided sustenance and nourishment. She found that in the carefully considered juxtaposition of everyday objects, each with its own history, shape and colour, a ‘sort of alchemy’ took place. With a close focus on the artwork at hand, she reflected deeply on the past and contemplated the future. The figures in the works allude to her meditative process. Madeleine observes that while being aware of the turmoil of the outside world, it continues to be a time to savour and value one’s loved ones, and that which is familiar and secure.
Madeleine Winch studied at the National Art School, Sydney before commencing to paint full-time in a studio on the island of Paros, Greece in the mid-1970s. Since then, she has exhibited in Australia and internationally while undertaking further study and travel. She has been a finalist in a number of major awards including the 2017 Archibald Prize and most recently, the 2021 Doug Moran National Portrait Prize with her painting, ‘Solitude’, included in this exhibition. Madeleine’s work is represented in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria and regional galleries throughout NSW including Wagga Wagga, Orange, New England and Dubbo, as well as Macquarie University and the Kedumba Collection of Contemporary Australian Drawing.
