1947 – 2020
Despard Gallery is deeply saddened to announce the passing Geoff Dyer, one of Tasmania’s most important and celebrated contemporary artists.
Geoff was a true innovator within the contemporary art scene, helping draw national attention towards the rugged beauty and rich natural assets of Tasmania through his commanding interpretations. Geoff lived and breathed paint, constantly driven to make his mark and share his love of the landscape, in all its many forms and ambience.Geoff had a highly celebrated professional career spanning over fifty years, with countless solo exhibition nationally, as well as exhibitions in Singapore, Guangdong and New York. His work is held in numerous important collections including the National Portrait Gallery, Artbank, the University of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). He has been hung in the New South Wales Art Gallery over twenty times as a finalist in the Archibald Prize, the Wynne Prize and Sulman Prize. Most notably, Geoff won the Archibald Prize in 2003, with a portrait of author, conservationist and friend, Richard Flanagan. Geoff remains only the second Tasmanian to ever win the Archibald prize.We have lost a true character, friend and talent.
His love of Tasmania, its people and landscape will continue to resonate through the legacy of what can only be described as a momentous and critical body of work.Geoff’s significant creative achievements reflect his determination and passion as great artist. His paintings continued to increase in visual strength over the decades, ensuring that his iconic large scale works will remain an important part of Tasmania’s cultural history for years to come.
The gallery continues to welcome enquiries about artworks by Geoff Dyer, however all primary sales have been temporarily suspended at this time.
Click here to enquire about artworks by Geoff Dyer.
Exhibitions
