B. 1912 – 1981

British born artist Russell Drysdale immigrated to Australia in 1923. Inspired by abstract and surrealist art, he is considered one of the country’s foremost modernists, contributing depictions of the Australian outback, its inhabitants and the devastating effects of the 1940s droughts. Interestingly, due to a detached retina, he had poor vision his entire life. 

In 1954, alongside William Dobell, Drysdale represented Australia at the Venice Biennale. He is represented across public collections including at the National Gallery of Australia, where his work ‘The Cricketers’ (1948) was described as "one of the most original and haunting images in all Australian Art." In 1969 he was knighted for his services to the artist and in 1980 he was made a Champion of the Order of Australia. 

To read a more in-depth biography of the artist, click here.