Pattern & Form: Andrew Bonneau

Metro Gallery presents Pattern & Form, an exhibition of recent paintings and drawings by Andrew Bonneau.

Created in the intimacy of the artist's studio, Andrew’s works represent a microcosm of his existence. Plaster casts from sculptures by the Old Masters reflect the artist's continuous striving to perfect his craft. Indian and South-East-Asian statuettes, as well as the richly patterned fabrics, are an acknowledgement of the Indian background of his partner, a noted fashion designer. The inclusion of Northern-African and Middle-Eastern motifs references the artist's lengthy sojourns in the regions. His immediate environment—Trinity Beach, near Cairns, in Queensland—is reflected not only in the presence of native flora and fauna, but also in the richly saturated colours of the artist’s compositions.

Recognised internationally as one of the leading figurative painters of his generation, Andrew's still life compositions pay homage to such luminaries of the genre as the Rococo Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin and the proto-Impressionist Henri Fantin-Latour. Painted directly from life, his works are notable for the detailed examination of the objects, judicious compositional arrangements, and iridescent illumination. The inclusion of draperies showcases Andrew's chiaroscuro dexterity while imbuing his compositions with fluidity and movement.

The Artist’s Statement

These paintings reflect my various aesthetic interests over the last couple of years.

The relationship between pattern and form has been an ongoing interest of mine for as long as I can remember, and the still life genre seems highly suitable to its exploration. By paying attention to objects, the painter can bring forth the truth of the object, not only how it looks. There is a process of comprehension that happens, bringing forth its quality. The paintings are all done directly from life. Light, shade, atmosphere, texture, colour all become one, as paint.

It’s not just subjective sense perception that is involved, but that there is an internal structure and autonomy of the object that I’m seeking. The process of rendering it in paint is analogous to the soul animating the body. Likewise, pattern suggests a continuous existence of flowing energy, conditioned by the particulars of form, light effect and placement to the viewer.

The subjects of these paintings are not the typical fruit, vegetables, domestic items. My focus has rather been on the handmade art object. Figurines, ceramics, fabrics and the like have held more appeal to me. Some paintings have symbolic elements while some are about the aesthetic revelation of form through light.

About the Artist

Painter, draughtsman, and teacher, Andrew Bonneau studied in Sydney at the National Art School and Julian Ashton Art School, as well as privately under the tutelage of Charlie Sheard. He honed his craft and perfected his skills at the Grand Central Academy of Art in New York and the British Academy in Rome.

Andrew was a finalist in numerous prestigious art awards and prizes, including the Archibald Prize (2017), Perc Tucker Portrait Prize (2014, 2017), Moran Portrait Prize (2013, 2015), Black Swan Portrait Prize (2014-15), Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize (2014), and others. Andrew’s works reside at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, selected regional and tertiary collections, as well as corporate and private collections in Australia and abroad.

Please join us for drinks with the artist, on Wednesday, 2 March, 6-8pm.

The exhibition will remain on view at Metro Gallery until Saturday, 26 March 2022.

For further information about the artist and his works, please contact Eugene or Kathleen at Metro Gallery on +613 9500 8511 or