Harry Wedge
Harry Wedge | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1957 |
| Died | 08 November 2012 (aged 54–55) |
| Other names | HJ Wedge, Harry J |
| Known for | Painting |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2015) |
Harry J. Wedge (1957–2012) was a Wiradjuri artist.
Wedge was born in Erambie Mission, Cowra, New South Wales. Prior to starting his artwork professionally, Wedge worked as a driver and fruit picker until he headed to Sydney to enroll at the .
In 1991, he exhibited at the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative. The following year he became a member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-op, exhibiting with contemporaries such as Ian Abdulla and Elaine Russell. In 1992 he held a solo exhibition called Wiradjuri Spirit Man at the in Adelaide as well as at Boomalli.
In 1993, Wedge was represented in Australian Perspecta, Art Gallery of New South Wales and was artist-in-residence during which he created the narrative work Stop and think.[1]
The Art Gallery of NSW describes Wedge's work in the following way: "His work focuses on post-colonial narrative and examines current social and environmental issues. He has said that he tries "… to paint what I dream, what I hear on, things you can even hear people talking about on the train…". His powerful paintings operate seductively, enchanting the viewer with signature lyrical figures that he combines with arresting political statements. His figures, refusing to be silenced, become social commentators and express the injustices of the past."[2]
A monograph on Wedge's work, Wiradjuri Spirit Man,[3] was published in 1996 by Art and Australia, with an introduction by Brenda L. Croft and an essay by Judith Ryan. Containing a selection of Wedge's vivid paintings and engaging stories, his work is by turns humorous, confronting and direct.
His work is held in many major private and public collections.
Wedge recently[when?] was awarded the Australian Aboriginal Fellowship by the New South Minister for the Arts and he is represented in the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and Queensland Art Gallery collections.
Wedge died in November 2012.[4]
References[]
- ^ "Stop and think, 1993 by HJ Wedge". www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
- ^ "HJ Wedge :: The Collection :: Art Gallery NSW". www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
- ^ Wedge, H. J.; Ryan, Judith (1996). Wiradjuri spirit man. An Art & Australia book. Roseville East, NSW: Craftsman House ; Published in association with Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. ISBN 978-976-641-019-3.
- ^ Poll, Matt (12 November 2012). "Obituary: Harry (HJ) Wedge 1957 – 2012". Aboriginal Art Directory. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
- Ryan, Judith; Brenda L Croft; Harry J Wedge (June 1997). Wiradjuri Spirit Man. Fine Art Publishing. ISBN 978-976-641-019-3.
External links[]
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- Australian painters
- People from Cowra
- 2012 deaths
- 1958 births
- Wiradjuri
- Australian Aboriginal artists
- Australian painter stubs