B. 1938 - 2009

 
 
Brian Dunlop is among Australia’s most celebrated figurative artists. A painter, draughtsman and printmaker, he spent his formative years in Southern Europe alongside artists Justin O’Brien and Jeffrey Smart. 

Dunlop’s ouvre spans portraits, interiors, landscapes and still lives. In all, there is a luminous clarity, enhanced by virtuosic composition and a refined palette, reminiscent of the Dutch and Italian Renaissance masters. His landscapes and interiors are often populated by family members, models and friends, all of whom emanate a rich inner life.   

In the tradition of art set indoors (or interior art), Dunlop leads the viewer on a visual journey. Peppered with mementoes from his travels across Europe and the Middle East, his vision of Australia is contextualised in the wider world. He also understands deeply the metaphysical power of light. Metaphoric of enlightenment, transparency and the present, sunlight floods his work.  

During his lifetime, Dunlop was a finalist and recipient of numerous art awards, including the Sulman Prize. For Victoria’s 150th anniversary, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II which now hangs in Government House, Melbourne. 

He is represented at the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, numerous state, regional and tertiary institutions and respected corporate and private collections.