John Russell : Australia's French Impressionist

the long version

Working in Europe at the end of the 19th century, John Russell (1858-1930) was part of the French avant-garde and the only Australian painter to have been closely associated with some of the most original and influential artists in France. He was a close friend of Van Gogh and Rodin, dined with Monet and taught impressionist colour theory to Matisse. Yet, despite the efforts of fellow Australian artist Thea Proctor, his cousin, he remains little known. This major survey presents the breadth of Russell's art from his studies in London and Paris, through impressionism and experimentation with pure colour, to his later fauve-like luminous watercolours.