ROBERT GRIEVE
Melbourne, Australia | 1924-2006
Robert Grieve was a significant figure in Australian abstract expressionism, whose work developed a distinctive language of colour, texture and ambiguous form. His paintings are recognised for their layered surfaces, mysterious imagery and quiet sense of elegance.
Grieve's work was strongly influenced by his close association with Japan. In his earlier years he also painted alongside Fred Williams, including a painting trip to the You Yangs outside Melbourne. His work is represented in major Australian state collections.
“Robert Grieve is an artist who over the past four and a half decades has made a significant contribution to Australian painting…with the built-up ambiguous veils of colours and marks, the mysterious shapes have an omnipresent magic…” - Sasha Grishin, Art Critic
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
“I am rather reluctant to write about my paintings as I feel that it really is a dialogue between the painting and the viewer- in other words the painting should speak for itself.
"Here are some thoughts on my work. I endeavour to create paintings which combine elements of the visual world which excite and move me with a continuing fascination with the mediums I use. I hope that the results stimulate and sometimes disturb the viewers imagination and also achieve an ordered elegance. I would like to think that the viewer can return to the painting and find new things in the work."
- Robert Grieve, 2005
