Our ‘Feature Artist’ for July is Australian artist Pat Brassington, whose works we have acquired for several of our clients’ new houses over the years. Brassington’s works are arresting; through photo-media, she explores diverse narratives of identity, memory, and sexuality, which are influenced by her interest in surrealism, feminism, and psychoanalysis. Her thought-provoking images create a sense of gravitas, which make her an excellent cornerstone to any Australian art collection. Brassington has been shown extensively throughout Australia and is collected in both public and private collections. Her works can be viewed at Bett Gallery in Hobart, where we often send clients when considering artworks for their homes.
Artwork in a home should not be considered as an extension of the interior or merely as wall adornment. We like to think that a considered work of art or collection should elevate the experience of the viewer, generating thought, conversation, and a sense of engagement with its occupants. Artists such as Pat Brassington fall into the realm of the provocative and encourage conversations that challenge convention. It is also vital to consider the synergy between different works of art when curating pieces for a home; the power of a thoughtful collection must not be underestimated.
Pat Brassington’s works are on display as part of many public collections including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Queensland Art Gallery, National Gallery of Australia, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart, ArtBank, Sydney, Monash Gallery of Art, Melbourne, Cologne Museum of Contemporary Art, Germany, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne, Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne, Murdoch University, Perth, Devonport Art Gallery, Tasmania, University of the Northern Territory, Darwin, La Trobe University Art Collection, Melbourne, and at Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne.