Abstraction is in a mature period of contemplation. Throughout this issue of Artist Profile there are insightful and variable perspectives on this subject.

Ken Unsworth, this issue’s cover artist, is the maestro of abstraction. His sculpture, Suspended stone circle II, 1974-77, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, is up there as one of the great abstract artworks of the twentieth century. Now in his nineties, Unsworth has no plans of slowing down. He is busily planning his upcoming installations at Macquarie University Art Gallery this February. Brad Buckley, writer of the cover essay, was there when Unsworth performed his 1975 landmark work Five Secular Settings for Sculpture as Ritual and Burial Piece at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Sydney. Buckley’s essay and the illustrated works clearly show that Unsworth’s much talked about survey at the Art Gallery of NSW is long overdue.

Another abstract moment is in Jack Howard’s essay on artist Jude Rae. Howard has made a memorable observation in the “translation” of realities which is visibly representational, yet profoundly abstract.

Artist Tony Twigg’s essay travels back in time to trace Ian Fairweather’s seesaw journeys through China, Indonesia, Philippines, and on to Australia. Twigg carefully and skilfully contextualises Fairweather’s merging of Eastern and Western cultural references that would become synonymous to a new way of thinking about abstract art.

Curator Beckett Rozentals’ Grace Crowley & Ralph Balson exhibition, currently at The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, is an exceptional presentation on two world class painters who pushed the limits of abstract art to visionary status. I had the pleasure of seeing the exhibition and can understand Peter Hill’s euphoric response to the Crowley and Balson paintings. “Suspended somewhere between acid trip and orgasm,” was just one description by Hill. One painting by Balson from his Matter Paintings period stands out because it bears a resemblance to Dale Frank’s early abstract paintings. This is worthy of further examination.

For this year’s Sydney Contemporary art fair, we have created a special section which previews in-depth exhibition highlights. It also presents the new art fair director, Zoe Paulsen’s vision and Hellyers Road Distillery’s partnership with Sydney Contemporary. Hellyers Road Distillery is offering all new subscribers to Artist Profile at Sydney Contemporary, a free glass of Hellyers Road Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky and a glass of their Whisky Cream Liqueur. That’s two whiskeys! Subscribe at the Artist Profile booth at Sydney Contemporary.

The recent period has marked a shocking number of artists’ deaths. From late May to July 2024, we have said our goodbyes and presented many heartfelt tributes both locally and around the globe for artists Rosemary Laing, Destiny Deacon, John Havilah, Guy Stuart, Bill Viola, Guy Warren, and most recently John Conomos. Their memories eternal.