Despard Gallery is pleased to share that a significant artwork by Dale Richards is currently on display at The Australian Club in Melbourne. The club has a rich history of presenting both early Australian and contemporary works from its permanent collection, as well as hosting curated exhibitions from collectors and galleries.
Presented as part of the private collection of Arthur and Suzie Roe, ‘Trapped Day Four’ is a large multi panel work painted by Richards in 2006, reflecting on the famous Beaconsfield Mine collapse and rescue of the same year.
The exhibition presents a small selection of works form the extensive Roe collection, curated around the theme of earth, wind, water and fire, showcasing numerous interpretations of the Australian landscape, including the ongoing influence of the elements.
Arthur and Suzie Roe have been acquiring art for over two decades, with a collection that now consist of over 850 pieces. Roe has been driven by a passion for supporting the arts across Australia and is frequently drawn to work by artists whom he has never heard of, rather than just chasing works by well know or fashionable artists. The Roe collection is made up of about two-thirds of Indigenous work, with many of his pieces being of large, if not huge scale, which stored in a separate warehouse and then rotated in their house. Other significant work from Tasmanian artists in their collection include Anne Morrison and Stephen Lees.
