This exhibition presented the work of George Baldessin (1939-1978), one of Australia’s most influential and important printmakers from the 1960's and 70’s.

The exhibition was curated by Tess Edwards Baldessin and it included a selection of prints and drawings that showed the development of Baldessin’s various themes as well as his very individual style.

From his first small etchings of circus performers and Fellini-esque characters, his work developed in scope and scale, passing through the Personage, Factory Smoke, Magdalene and Emblems series. Baldessin combines and re-combined different elements to make new narratives and conceptual meaning. The pear became the woman, the hat the emblem, and the emblem the woman again. This creative 'play' is indicative of Baldessin’s huge talent and confidence beyond his artistic years.

A Maitland Regional Art Gallery Touring Exhibition.

This exhibition was supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material across Australia.

IMAGE
George BALDESSIN Performers with bicycles 1964. Etching and aquatint, 17.1 x 24.8cm. Courtesy of the artist.