Eric Smith Survey: A Painter’s Vision

Eric Smith was a key figure in the development of Australian modernism. He won the Archibald Prize three times and the Wynne Prize twice at the AGNSW. His early works often featured portraits of his artist friends, reflecting his strong connections within the Sydney art scene at the time.

Smith’s inclusion in the landmark Direction 1 exhibition in 1956 at the Macquarie Galleries in Sydney unfurled his sense of exploring of what he referred to as, “throwing myself into the void, searching for ways to express truths in our times.” In his later production period, Smith’s work evolved more towards abstraction encapsulating a dynamic and forward-thinking approach that resonates deeply with current art tendencies.