Despard Gallery is deeply saddened to announce the passing Geoff Dyer, one of Tasmania’s most important and celebrated contemporary artists.
Geoff was an inspiring force within the contemporary Tasmanian art scene, recognised nationally through his commanding interpretations of the landscape. Geoff lived and breathed painting, constantly driven to make his mark and share his love of depicting the landscape in its many forms and ambiences.
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 is only the second Tasmanian to ever win the Archibald prize.
Despard Gallery has proudly represented Geoff for over twenty years, exhibiting his work in Chicago, Sydney and Melbourne, including ten solo exhibitions in Hobart.
We have lost a true character, friend and unique talent. His love of Tasmania, its people and the 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 a great artist, his paintings exuding visual strength. His iconic large scale oils are his legacy and will remain an integral part of Tasmania’s cultural history for years to come.
Despard galley would like to extend our deepest condolences to all his family and friends, in particular to his partner Krysia, his daughter Kelly, his brother David and sister Lou.
Steven Joyce
Director