The must-see artworks at the Clarice Beckett exhibition
Clarice Beckett painted the life and scenery of her coastal home in Victoria until her death in 1935. Selling almost nothing while she was alive, she is now recognised as one of the country's pioneering tonal and abstract artists.
The National Gallery of Australia's Clarice Beckett exhibition showcases a collection of 27 paintings donated by her sister Hilda Mangan in 1972. These works, originally stored in boxes due to their weathered condition, were painstakingly restored by the gallery's conservation team. Senior curator Elspeth Pitt highlighted three notable pieces: "Seascape," "The Tea-Tree Framing Device," and the minimalist "Small Wooden Boat."
"Seascape" exemplifies Beckett's engagement with nature, its tea-tree framing device evident in the top right corner where her fingerprint is visible. This painting, created during a storm, reflects Beckett's quick yet careful work style. "The Tea-Tree Framing Device" showcases Beckett's use of the endemic tea-tree as a framing device, capturing a moment in time amidst a storm.
The minimalist "Small Wooden Boat," painted between 1920-1930, foreshadows abstraction, with its simple yet profound depiction of still water and a small boat, hinting at the future directions of Australian art. These works, all brought back to life through extensive conservation, are currently on display at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery until November 21.
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