Robert Hunter (1947-2014), painter, trained at Preston Technical College and RMIT from 1964 to 1967, and was deeply impressed by the work of American abstractionist Ad Reinhardt in Melbourne in 1967. In 1968, when he held his first solo show at Tolarno, his work was chosen for the abstract exhibition The Field, the inaugural exhibition at the new NGV in St Kilda Road. By time of the opening show at Pinocotheca in Richmond in 1970 he had abandoned canvas, and colour, showing six large squares of paper painted grey. The next month he painted grey squared grids on the walls. Now, he is best known for his geometric works in shades of white on board. His works are held in the National Gallery, most state galleries, regional and university galleries and TarraWarra.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012
© Estate of Robert Rooney
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
This exhibition celebrates Australians whose unique life experiences symbolise social and cultural forces. Uncompromising individuality defines them. The portraits are drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection of contemporary photography and drawing.
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