Bernard Ollis - Different Worlds

The differing worlds of the natural and constructed landscapes have formed the inspiration for the stunning new exhibition 'Different Worlds' by Sydney artist Bernard Ollis, showing at Mitchell Fine Art from August 22 to September 9, 2023. 

In his typical whimsical style, Ollis has produced artworks of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland as well paintings from his second home in Paris, echoing the European landscape and history.

'These different worlds are on the face of it, so dissimilar, yet they have much in common’, says Ollis. ‘Both worlds represent decay and rebirth, and in that regeneration, as an artist, they offer me an abundance of possibilities for creativity’.

Bernard Ollis is a British born, Australia artist. He has an extensive academic and professional portfolio across numerous arts institutions within Australia and Europe and is the former and longest serving Director of the National Art School in Sydney.

Primarily a figurative artist, Ollis’ interest lies with the human form; the everyday lives of people, what environment they create and inhabit, however in this exhibition it is nature that has formed the inspiration.

"My paintings are not picture postcards, or the social media equivalent, but personal and original interpretations of special environments.” says Ollis.

With a career spanning over 50 years Bernard Ollis is the former Director of the National Art School and has had a constant stream of successful exhibitions. His work has been acquired in collections such as the National Art Gallery of Australia, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Queensland Art Gallery, and the Royal College of Art UK.

Throughout his career Bernard Ollis has been selected several times for prestigious Australian Art Prizes including the Sulman Art Prize, the Dobell Art Prize and the Salon des Refuses.

Bernard will present an Artist Talk on Saturday 26th August from 2pm, to be followed by drinks. This is a wonderful opportunity for art lovers to join Bernard as he delves deep into the inspiration and technique of his artistic practice and life. This is a free event.

Good to know - Art enthusiasts can also follow/like the gallery on Facebook and Instagram. 

Need to know - There is free parking onsite.

Mitchell Fine Art is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com