Ep 167 Remembering William Robinson with Davida Allen (2020)
Australia has lost one of its great painters. William Robinson has passed away at the age of 89.
I was lucky enough to meet Bill in 2020 when I interviewed his close friend, artist Davida Allen. At Davida’s suggestion, Bill joined the conversation —and what unfolded was something special.
In this re-released episode you’ll hear Bill’s warmth, humour and generosity as the two artists reflect together in his Brisbane studio.
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Ep 166: Julie Fragar wins the 2025 Archibald Prize
Watch an edited video version of this conversation on the YouTube channel here
It’s one of the most thrilling days on the Australian art calendar—and this year, Julie Fragar has taken out the Archibald Prize with a captivating portrait of fellow artist and colleague Justene Williams.
Her large scale portrait of Justene, appearing to float in space and surrounded by model figures and structures drawn from Justene’s creative universe, commands the viewer's attention. Julie talks with me about the portrait and its elements, her approach to colour and her tips for a productive sitting. This episode also includes Julie’s moving acceptance speech.
Also announced today:
Jude Rae, winner of the Wynne Prize (and two-time podcast guest)
Gene A’Hern, winner of the Sulman Prize (video interview coming soon!)
Scroll down for images of the winning works
Podcast listeners click here to see images of the works
Julie Fragar's website
Julie Fragar on Instagram
Ep 28: Jude Rae
Ep 97: Jude Rae '424-428'
My chat with Sulman winner Gene A'Hern
TWP on Instagram
TWP on Facebook
Maria Stoljar on LinkedIn
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https://youtu.be/h4NfQDN803I
Julie FragarFlagship Mother Multiverse (Justene)oil on canvas240 x 180.4 cm
Jude RaePre-dawn sky over Port Botany container terminaloil on linen200 x 150.4 cm
Gene A’HernSky paintingoil and oil stick on board240 x 240 cm
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Ep 165: Richard Lewer
Podcast listeners - see the art work we talk about in this episode here
Step into the gripping world of Richard Lewer — where drawing, painting, and video meet the raw edges of human experience.
Richard doesn’t look away from life’s toughest stories. From the deeply personal — like the final days of his father’s life — to the harrowing and socially charged, including the tragic death of an Indigenous child in custody and the haunting Snowtown murders, he takes it all on. But never with shock tactics. His work is quietly powerful — full of feeling, sensitivity, and a surprising touch of humour. And the surfaces he paints on? Anything but traditional — think steel, aluminium, formica table tops, even billiard tables.
Richard is a multi-award-winning artist whose work has appeared in major public and private collections. He’s been a finalist multiple times in the Archibald and Sulman Prizes, and his recent acquisition by the National Gallery of Australia will soon be part of an upcoming exhibition and tour.
This was the perfect time to sit down for a deep conversation — just ahead of his new show ‘The stories that persist are not always true’ opening on 10 April at Hugo Michell Gallery.
Richard is also represented by Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane and Suite Gallery in New Zealand.
Links
Art work mentioned in this episode (for podcast listeners)
Richard Lewer on Instagram
Exhibition opening on 10 April at Hugo Michell Gallery
YouTube video- Richard Lewer talks with Maria Stoljar about his commissioned work at the Art Gallery of NSW
Boxing match Richard Lewer vs Luke Sinclair 2001, video, documentation of performance as art
Worse luck I'm still here, 2014, video and animation
Never Shall be Forgotten - A Mother's Story, 2017, video and animation
Talking with Painters on Instagram
Join me on LinkedIn
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'We have grave concerns for your father's health'oil on epoxy-coated steel80.5 x 141 cmFinalist Sulman prize 2019
I'm not the boy who cried wolf, 202580 x 120 cmacrylic on laminate tabletop
Richard's medical disastersacrylic on linen181.5 x 152.7cmFinalist Sulman prize 2023
NGV Confessions (one wall of several)Acrylic on pegboard
The serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals that God had made. He said to the woman ‘Did God really say that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?’. She replied ‘We may eat fruit from all the trees in the garden except for the..., 2022, acrylic on canvas, 153 x 153 cm
'The 2006 Granny' 2024acrylic on linen200.0 x 200.0 cm
'The 2006 Granny' 2024acrylic on linen& 41.0 x 31.0 cm
https://youtu.be/Du-Lad05_vk?si=lW4hXdAYI9jmNEfo
Body of work 'Steve' acquired by the National Gallery of Australia
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Ep 164: New Videos, Loading Dock Invite & What’s Next
Catch up on the latest YouTube videos and Instagram reels, and don’t miss the chance to be part of my next Loading Dock interview at the Art Gallery of NSW!
Justin Williams (video)
Justin Williams - ep 60 podcast interview
Robert Malherbe and Keith Burt (video)
Loading Dock Interviews Playlist
Nic Plowman (Instagram reel)
Sam Eyles (Instagram reel)
The Art Room
Sign up to the TWP newsletter
Join me on LinkedIn
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Robert Malherbe and Keith Burt (live at the Tweed Regional Gallery)
Australia