ROBYN RANKIN

Robyn Rankin’s bold, figurative interpretations of childhood transport the audience into an exuberant yet introspective world. The journey explores the idea that children are at once totally self absorbed and private in their play, and yet so innocently and publicly on view. Simple figures are reminiscent of cut-out paper dolls, represented in exaggerated poses and suspended on richly layered backgrounds.

Robyn also explores the theme of lovers, depicting quirky interpretations of flirting, romance and celebration. With a sense of fun, she captures the fullness and passion of love through extravagant use of colour and texture, or she pursues the softness and tentative nature of new love with flirty glances and wistful attitudes.

After graduating from Swinburne University, Robyn’s early career began in Melbourne as a graphic designer and photographer. Photographic assignments for the travel industry took her round Australia and New Zealand . Robyn later taught art and photography at Methodist Ladies’ College. A move to Noosa with her young family provided the opportunity to change direction, and a love affair with paint began in 2000.

Robyn is well represented in private collections in Australia and overseas, and is featured in the recent publication by Michael Berry, “Selective Contemporary Artists of Australia.”

Artist’s Statement

“I love photography...the idea of freezing a moment in time. I love being able to store images and memories, and honour our capacity to reflect on those treasures. I steal the moment and make it happen again with paint...these are the cherished images of a time when life is uncluttered and free.”

CV

Born 1957, Melbourne, Australia
Lives and works in Melbourne, Australia

Studies:

Diploma of Art (Graphic Design), Swinburne University, Melbourne | 1975‐1977
Diploma of Education (Art Education), Deakin University Toorak Campus, Melbourne | 1980

Solo Exhibitions:

The Studio Gallery, Yallingup, WA | 2020 Small Stories, Art Images Gallery, Adelaide, SA | 2019 Goosey Gander, The Studio Gallery, Yallingup, WA |2018 Joie, Summer and Salt, Peregian Beach QLD | 2016 Tootlish, Art Images Gallery, Adelaide, SA | 2015
Pleased as Punch, Art Images Gallery, Adelaide, SA | 2013
Goofy Foot, The Studio Gallery, Yallingup, WA | 2013
Summertime, Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, VIC | 2012
My Mother Said, The Studio Gallery, Yallingup, WA | 2012
Carrie’s Springtime Garden, Without Pier Gallery, VIC | 2011
One Little Dicky Bird, Art Images Gallery, Adelaide, SA | 2010
Ginger and Goose, Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, VIC | 2008
Kitty Dreams, Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, VIC | 2007
Wind Magic, Art Images Gallery, Adelaide, SA | 2007
Cartwheels, Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, VIC | 2006
A Whisper Sweet Nothings, Art Images Gallery, SA | 2005
Girls and Boys Come Out to Play, Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, VIC | 2005

Selected Group Exhibitions:

Art Images Gallery | Norwood SA | 2024

Salt Contemporary Gallery, Queenscliff VIC | 2023

Studio Gallery and Bistro, Yallingup WA | 2023

Paper Pear at Corner Store Gallery, Orange NSW | 2023

Melbourne Affordable Art Fair | 2022

Paper Pear at the Corner Store Gallery, Orange NSW | 2022