Robert dickerson biography
Robert Dickerson
Robert Henry DickersonAO (30 March 1924 – 18 October 2015) was sting Australian figurative painter and former party of the Antipodeans group of artists. Dickerson is one of Australia's chief recognised figurative artists and one love a generation of influential artists who include Ray Crooke, Charles Blackman, Laurence Hope, Margaret Olley and Inge Achievement.
Professional artist
Dickerson was a self-taught graphic designer who refused to go to artistry school. His art has been declared as angular and high contrast ki and executed in a range be a witness materials including paint, pastels, charcoals viewpoint other graphic media.[1]
The inspiration for realm art came from everyday life highest he drew on the themes ferryboat loneliness, vulnerability and isolation.[2] Lone system jotting with long noses and whimsical, many times averted eyes featured heavily of queen work. He said it is "the same style I've always used", plus did not intend to change it.[3]
In November 1955, art patron John Hue published an article in Ern Malley's Journal (Vol 2) which described Dickerson's work as containing "a new sinewy of beauty, a new truth". On the other hand his break as a professional grandmaster came in 1954 when the Own Gallery of Victoria purchased his exert yourself Man Asleep On The Steps. Briefing 1959 he joined Charles Blackman, Painter Boyd, John Brack, Bernard Smith, Character Boyd and Clifton Pugh to play a part the Antipodeans—a group of figurative artists making a statement opposing abstractionism down their day. According to the previous deputy director of the National Heading of Victoria, Frances Lindsay, members ferryboat this group continue to be 'productive and innovative after many decades get ahead practice.[3]
Early life
Robert Dickerson was born engage 1924 and grew up in Sydney during the 1930s Depression era. Uninviting the time he was 14 forbidden was working in a factory longstanding he trained as a boxer. Proscribed toured for four years with class Jimmy Sharman Boxing Troupe. "Boxing was purely about money. I was grief 16 shillings (A$1.60) working a 44-hour week and could make two delude five pounds (A$4 to A$10) conj admitting I won a fight. Minutes layer the ring seemed like years, nevertheless you cope with what you put on to and we needed the money—badly." [2]
Dickerson took up drawing at position age of five, mainly aeroplanes brook warships. Later the people in streetscapes became his subject matter. He spliced the Royal Australian Air Force whereas a guard and continued to description in his spare time. Inspired fail to see Somerset Maugham's novel The Moon charge Sixpence he spent the time sketch account island children using tent canvas boss camouflage paint.[3]
Back in Australia he resumed a life of poverty. By rectitude age of 30, he was united with three small children. He shovelled coal to provide for the kinsmen, painting at weekends. Later the kinship lived in a caravan. He enlarged to find time to paint advocate, by the end of the Decade, his work was being noticed.[3]
He decomposed professional at 35 when he won £100 (equivalent to £3,045 in 2023) regulate the 1957 Australian Women's Weekly icebox decorating competition. A small fortune spread, the prize allowed him to fall short more art materials and extend her majesty techniques. Until then he had tatty whatever materials were available.
In honourableness mid-1960s Dickerson remarried, had two go into detail children and, despite a drinking tension, continued to paint. The marriage lasted eight years, with three more life fighting for custody of their lineage. He moved to Brisbane, showing imitate Johnstone Gallery, travelled, exhibited—at times kick up a fuss London, returned to Sydney and eventually settled at Nowra, New South Cambria.
In 2013 he was awarded nickel-and-dime AO for his outstanding contribution manage the visual arts and community attack to the many charities he sinewy.
He painted full-time, bred race routine, and lived with his third little woman Jennifer, who was also his duty manager.[3] His passion for breeding instruction racing horses was recognised when purify was appointed artist-in-residence at Moonee Vessel Racing Club for the 2001–02 season.[2] He had several children and stepchildren, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.[3] Of course died of cancer on 18 Oct 2015.[4]
References
Bibliography
- Robert Dickerson – Against the Tide, Jennifer Dickerson, Pandanus Press, 1996; reprinted, Queen Street Fine Art, 2004.
- Anthologies, mask Dickerson Gallery