Smart's Labyrinth: Every picture a defeat
1994
Smart's Labyrinth: Every picture a defeat
1994
- NFSA IDXYS3RH8J
- TypeFilm
- MediumMoving Image
- FormSeries
- Duration55 mins, 35 secs
- Year1994
Artist Jeffrey Smart observes that he doesn’t like viewing his finished work as 'every picture is a defeat’. At work in his studio he reflects on being inspired rather than daunted by the work and achievements of the 'old masters’ who he suggests he cannot hope to emulate. Summary by Damien Parer.
Artist Jeffrey Smart observes that he doesn’t like viewing his finished work as 'every picture is a defeat’. At work in his studio he reflects on being inspired rather than daunted by the work and achievements of the 'old masters’ who he suggests he cannot hope to emulate. Summary by Damien Parer.
- NFSA IDXYS3RH8J
- TypeFilm
- MediumMoving Image
- FormSeries
- Duration55 mins, 35 secs
- Year1994
- Production companyFeatherstone ProductionsProducerDon FeatherstoneExecutive ProducerDasha RossDirectorGeoffrey BennettWriterGeoffrey BennettOriginal musicAntony Partos
Jeffrey Smart was born in Adelaide in 1921 and, like many of his contemporaries, went overseas to work. He began exhibiting regularly in 1957 and has held 25 solo exhibitions. His work is known for its stark industrial landscapes with lone figures. Producer Don Featherstone has made many documentaries about Australian artists. He is also the producer of Beautiful Lies, The Daylight Moon, An Imaginary Life and The Beach.
Smart's Labyrinth synopsis
Australian artist Jeffrey Smart has been living in Italy since the 1970s. This documentary looks at his life in the 1990s. He reflects on his life as a painter and offers observations about his artistic work. The film features footage from his home in Italy and whimsical visits to local sites seen in his work.
Notes by Damien Parer
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