Robert Grieve, Landscape with Navy and Red. Gouache on paper, 55x75 cm, circa 1990(?).
Born in 1924, Melbourne based artist Robert Grieve was amongst the first generation of Australian abstract artists. A free thinker, who was widely traveled, Grieve drew influences from around the world including Japanese aesthetics, Russian literature and Spanish arts including the work of Antoni Tàpies (whose prints he owned, along with a collection of Japanese masks). His artwork is focused above all on quality of gesture and the transmission of feeling, often reflecting landscape or the human figure as subject matter. Well read, Grieve remained curious and passionate about his numerous creative interests until his death in late 2006. He exhibited regularly throughout Australia during his lifetime and his work is represented in the National Gallery of Australia, and many state and regional galleries. His estate is currently represented by Eastgate Holst Gallery in Melbourne.