Gallipoli and Beyond

Gallipoli and Beyond is an exhibition of works on paper by RACHEL FAIRFAX Earlier this year, the artist embarked on an expedition to Gallipoli and other parts of Turkey.

These works are painted en plein air in Gallipoli and other parts of Turkey in 2013.

RACHEL FAIRFAX grew up by the beach, in the small coastal town of Tuncurry, NSW. The seaside continues to be a source of inspiration to the artist, an appreciation for the coastal landscape that can be seen in her Turkey paintings. She captures iconic locations such as Brighton Beach and ANZAC Cove with a lightness of hand that reflects the ordinary beauty of these historic sights.

FAIRFAX presents a quiet view of Turkey, with washes of soft colour that create a sense of the still moment. Riverboats pause on the Gulf of Fethiye; mountain islands stand between blue water and sky. From ancient cities to the mosques of Istanbul, FAIRFAX reflects the beauty of a country where many histories co-exist. Of the artist’s work, Eleanor Zeichner wrote, “the paintings are about reflection and immersion”.

RACHEL FAIRFAX is a figurative painter who also creates drawings and ceramic works. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) at the National Art School, Sydney, where she is now a lecturer in painting and drawing. She received Reg Richardson Fellowships in both 2003 and 2004 and her work is regularly selected for national prizes. This year, she was a finalist in the Mosman Art Prize and in 2012 she was selected for the Waverley Art Prize for the fifth time, receiving a Highly Commended award. FAIRFAX has participated in over sixty-five group exhibitions since 2000 and her work is held in numerous private and public collections, including Artbank, Bathurst Regional Gallery and St Vincent’s Hospital.