Colley Whisson Solo Exhibition

Art lovers who appreciate the many picturesque scenes we have in this city have the opportunity to see some evocative paintings of Brisbane from locally born artist, Colley Whisson, when his Solo Exhibition runs at the Brisbane Modern Art Gallery from 9-23 June. Described as one of Australia’s finest modern impressionist painters and the son of well-known painter, Eric, Whisson has a large and devoted following.

For this exhibition, it’s not only the city of Brisbane that features but outlying areas such as Stanthorpe, Dayboro and Coolum. There are also works taken from Whisson’s international travels featuring paintings from the U.S.A. and Italy. 

Brisbane landmarks, particularly those around the Brisbane River, feature prominently with works such as “Winter Light on the Bridge, Brisbane” showing the old dock buildings with the Story Bridge towering majestically towering over them, while “River City Brisbane” showcases the beauty of the snaking river that city visitors love to dine and stroll beside.

Whisson had his first solo exhibition in 1990 in the Sunshine Coast’s Buderim, and now travels extensively to meet demand for workshops, exhibitions and judging. Besides Brisbane, he’s represented in galleries in Toorak, Cheltenham and Tennessee. He says, “It’s not what you paint but how you paint it… I’m aiming to tell a visual story with clarity and sophistication but I am also driven to distort and abstract the image as much as possible while still maintaining a realistic image.”

The Colley Whisson Solo Exhibition has an Opening Night Banquet on 12 June at 6pm catered by Gerard’s Bistro who are providing a four-course seasonal banquet. Winemakers, Symphony Hill Estate, are serving a limited edited Colley Whisson Dry Dock Shiraz and Colley Whisson Shadows of the Story Bridge Pinot Gris. What artist wouldn’t want wines named after them? Price for the event is $95.

You can also meet the artist on Saturday, 13 June from 2-4pm at the gallery.

By Vicki Englund

Brisbane Modern Art Gallery is a valued sponsor of Must Do Brisbane.com