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November 12, 2023
Artist Alison Mitchell has been awarded with an 'honourable mention' by Max Delany, Artistic Director of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art Melbourne. Her piece, 'Impotence-butter knives,' has been selected as a finalist in the STILL: National Still Life Award 2023.
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STILL 2023 aimed to showcase contemporary explorations of still life themes, receiving 1148 entries from Australian artists. 'Impotence-butter knives,' an 82x82 oil on linen, is part of this selection, highlighting the diversity of still life in Australian contemporary art.
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The works, including Alison's, will be displayed at the recently opened Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour, NSW, from October 7 to December 3. Explore the subtle and varied interpretations of still life by Australian artists at this upcoming exhibition.
Yarrila Arts and Museum in Coffs Harbour, NSW
November 06, 2023
This exhibition commemorates the extraordinary 25-year collaboration between Australia's prominent portrait artist and renowned social change and arts company, Big hART.
Hannaford's realist portraits capture the essence of individuals central to Big hART's transformative work, reflecting diverse settings - from rehearsal rooms to remote landscapes. Recognising the impact of portraiture, Big hART honours and elevates these remarkable individuals. Hannaford's virtuosity extends to those from Australia's marginalised communities, emphasising the equality of their lives.
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Royal SA Society of Arts Gallery
September 08, 2023
ALISON MITCHELL'S SOLO "& OTHER THINGS" AT ART IMAGES GALLERY
In a first-time event at Art Images Gallery, the renowned South Australian artist, Alison Mitchell, is set to unveil her solo exhibition there, showcasing her distinctive still life paintings.
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Mitchell's artistic journey is a deep-seated compulsion, a journey that unfolds through her keen observations. Her distinctive approach involves creating her masterpieces without the use of photographs, allowing her to translate pure, unfiltered emotions onto the canvas.
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Art Images Gallery
August 15, 2023
SCULPTOR ROBERT HANNAFORD HONOURS SIR HANS HEYSEN IN BRONZE
Robert Hannaford AM artfully immortalises Australia's landscape maestro, Sir Hans Heysen OBE, with a bronze statue gracing Hahndorf's main street in South Australia. This homage, enriched by Hannaford's personal tutelage under Heysen, receives acclaim. Dr. Peter Heysen, the artist's grandson, commends Hannaford's precision and reverence in crafting this iconic tribute, while luminaries including South Australian Governor Her Excellency Frances Adamson and Premier Peter Malinauskas honor the unveiling.
By Sonya Feldhoff, Presenter
January 12, 2023
GRIFFITH REGIONAL OPENS FOR 2023 WITH UNLEMON
"Unlemon – a meandering tale of citrus reveals a multilayered story of citrus – its origins, trajectory, diversity and tenacity, is open from Saturday 14 January at Griffith Regional Art Gallery, kicking off the 2023 season. Featuring the work of South Australian artist, Alison Mitchell, this exhibition of over 40 still-life oil paintings unfolds the story of citrus. From its origins approximately 20 million years ago on the Gondwana supercontinent, through its trade routes from China and Persia to the Mediterranean and the Americas, and on to its uses in medicine and culinary practices, the humble citrus is elevated in this exquisite exhibition."
September 09, 2022
'I WORK FROM LIFE'
ABC News Radio National sits down for an interview with Robert Hannaford as he reveals the process of his sitting with Queen Elizabeth II. Installed in 2020, the bronze, lifelike sculpture is one of only three in Australia. The sculpture stands among the manicured grounds of South Adelaide’s Government House and Hannford tells how it almost didn't happen because he had insisted on a sitting with his subject, which was at first refused.
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August 01, 2022
ARCHIBALD - MORE THAN JUST ABOUT WINNING
INDaily writes while the top prize of $100,000 carries significant appeal, there is much more to the Archibald than financial gain. Since its inception in 1921, artists have presented a range of famous faces and local heroes who are distinguished in art, letters, science or politics. "Robert feels that entering the Archibald isn’t about taking out the major prize; rather, it’s about reaching a wide audience and connecting with a broad range of people. Many of those he has chosen to paint over the years have become great friends."
Mon 22 July 2022
MEANDERING EXHIBITION
Alison Mitchell's 'Unlemon - A Meandering Tale Of Citrus' is currently on the road in regional Australia, showing at the following galleries:
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Bundaberg Regional Galleries, QLD
Mildura Arts Centre, VIC
Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre, SA
Griffith Regional Gallery, NSW
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Mon 09 May 2022
ARCHIBALD FINALIST 2022
Robert Hannaford's 'Hirsute', self-portrait has just been announced
as a finalist in this year's Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW. 52 portraits were selected from 819 entries, and as is tradition, renowned art Christopher Allen has cast his critical eye over The Archibald, saying one painting '​has a conviction that no other picture in this exhibition achieves'.
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September 09, 2021
STREET ART CRITIC TAKES HAT OFF TO MO
Art critic John Neylon highlights Hannaford's "Mo" as prime example of what makes great street art.
" All figurative wannabe sculptors who think laser-cut steel, charm-bracelet cuteness is enough to ingratiate public opinion should be made stare at this work and try to learn something about rendering the human figure."
- John Neylon, INdaily
By John Neylon
June 24, 2021
ARCHIBALD'S BEST 100 PAINTINGS
Art Critic and writer for Sydney Morning Herald, John McDonald reviews the top100 portraits of the Archibald, sharing his thoughts on the pick of the lot. "Hannaford’s moving portrait of artist Jarinyanu David Downs, which lost out in 1995 to a self-portrait by William Robinson, is one of the highlights of this exhibition."
By John McDonald
April 20, 2021
‘WHEAT BAGS TO SAND
BAGS’ OWEN SILOS
Robert Hannaford took on an ambitious project with painter Cam Scale and videographer Chris Oaten to create the Owen Silos.
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March 02, 2021
HER MAJESTY UNVEILS SA SCULPTURE
Sydney Morning Herald reports Queen Elizabeth pokes fun at herself during first video call to Australia, marking the installation of the life-like bronze sculpture unveiled at South Australia's Government House.
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By Bevan Shields
March 02, 2021
A ZOOM WITH BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Her Majesty virtually unveiled the life size statue during a video meeting earlier last week with sculptor Robert Hannaford, Governor Hieu Van Le and the Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall.
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By Bension Siebert
November 20, 2020
UNLEMON - A MEANDERING TALE OF CITRUS
'Save Our Citrus' - The Advertiser's SA Weekend covers Alison's remarkable discovery during research for her exhibition at the Museum Of Economic Botany in Adelaide's Botanic Garden.​
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By Roy Eccleston
August 15, 2019
Country Arts SA writer Alex Cleland sits down with Alison Mitchell and Robert Hannaford at their home in Riverton and gets the scoop on country living for arts blog The Dirt SA.
By Alex Cleland
July 01, 2016
The Art Gallery of South Australia presents 50 years of work by Robert Hannaford in a long-awaited exhibition, showcasing his ability to capture the true nature or ‘essence’ of his sitters with a selection of works from a personal archive.
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January 03, 2012
RETURN OF THE BLACK CHICKS
The Advertiser reports Robert Hannaford is preparing for exhibition of 'Black Chicks' since the paintings return after a protracted legal battle.
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By Samela Harris
July 26, 2017
THE 2017 ARCHIBALD PRIZE
Art critic John McDonald weighs in on the world famous portrait prize - the Archibald, "...skilful in the studied simplicity of his portrait. If ever anyone deserved to win the Archibald through sheer consistency, it’s Hannaford." - John McDonald, Sydney Morning Herald.
By John McDonald
July 28, 2015
AN INSIGHT INTO TRAVELLING ART
Alison Mitchell and Robert Hannaford share insight on their new collaborative exhibition ‘By the Way’ - a collection of 'en plein air' works created while on the road throughout Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Sarah Maunder
May 20, 2011
BLACK CHICKS ARTIST WINS COURT BATTLE
After a lengthy court battle, 10 portraits returned to rightful owner, artist Robert Hannaford.
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By Louise Hall
July 01, 2016
Australian Arts Review reports on AGSA's latest exhibition 'Robert Hannaford', illustrating his figuration and portraiture, bringing Hannaford into conversation with works of art spanning 500 years from the Art Gallery’s collection.
Photo by John Montesi
July 26, 2015
GARDEN BEARS FRUITS OF ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR
South Australian artist Alison Mitchell provides food for thought in interview with chief arts writer Patrick McDonald from The Advertiser ahead of her upcoming SALA exhibition.
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By Patrick McDonald