Charles Blackman is one of the most beloved and revered Australian artists. His subject matter, drawn from literature, music, theatre, overseas travel, and lived experience, reveals an enquiring mind and erudite imagination. Many of his works, especially those from the Schoolgirls and Alice series, are considered to be among the most iconic images of Australian art. Blackman’s enduring legacy and importance to the Australian cultural landscape is reflected in the representative holding of his works in all national and state galleries, and significant regional and tertiary collections.

'The Arrival' is highly regarded by the connoisseurs of Charles Blackman’s works. The distant lighthouse, the ferry, and the jetty reference the Taronga Zoo Wharf, near Ashton Park, in Bradley’s Head, where Charles’s mother and step-father were caretakers. Figures in the ferry windows and on the jetty relate directly to some of the artist’s most beloved and celebrated images - including Alice in the lower centre of the composition. In other words, 'The Arrival' is Charles’s autobiography is a single image.

We are grateful to Auguste Blackman for his assistance with cataloguing this work.

Charles BLACKMAN (1928 - 2018)
'The Arrival (Black)' 1982
etching on paper
Edition of 10
Image Size: 37 x 44 cm
Dimensions: 76 x 57 cm
Signed: Numbered, titled, signed 'Charles Blackman' and dated in lower margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: The image is in excellent condition; there are faint marks on lower margin. There are no tears to paper margin.

(c) Charles Blackman / Copyright Agency 2024