Metropolitan Visions
Jeffrey Smart’s paintings are distinctive. Sparsely populated, some of his near-empty metropolitan scenes have a melancholic, almost cataclysmic, air—like prescient glimpses of cities in lockdown—while others seem infused with an irreverent and sophisticated sense of play.
Born in Adelaide in 1921, Smart left Australia permanently in 1963 for Italy, where he resided until his death in 2013. Nevertheless, the artist continues to exert a powerful influence in the country of his birth. He was a dedicated correspondent and kept in touch with many Australian artists and curators via letter and fax, as well as by phone and frequent visits. And of course through his work, which continues to shape how we see the city.
With a large-scale retrospective of Jeffrey Smart’s work, opening at the National
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days