Selected works of one of Australia’s most respected abstract painters, Charlie Sheard, will soon go on display in a new exhibition at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum (MAGAM).

Sheard, who has spent the last forty years developing a mastery of pure abstract forms, is known for his large paintings that mesmerise audiences because of their scale and dreamy atmosphere.

Mayor Michael Regan said Sheard’s paintings reflect his wide-ranging interest in European, Chinese and Australian cultural history and his love of abstract art.

“Sheard is very focussed on the history and development of this form of art.

“People will be captivated with the works of art themselves. Viewers do not need any explanations to become absorbed in the paintings.

Sheard’s paintings often take between five and ten years to complete and up to 20 paintings are worked on simultaneously.

“We hope visitors to the exhibition will come away with a deeper understanding and interest in the fascinating world of abstract art,” Mayor Regan said.

Exhibition dates: 26 July – 1 September 2019

Exhibition opening: Friday 26 July, 6 - 8pm by Dr Josephine Touma, Senior Coordinator, Public Programs, Art Gallery of NSW.

Artist in conversation: Sunday 11 August, 3 - 4pm. Join Charlie Sheard ‘in conversation’ with MAGAM's Dr Michael Hedger about the ideas and technique in his work in the exhibition.

Workshop: Pure Abstraction: Monday 19 August, 10am – 2pm This four hour workshop for painters with Charlie Sheard focuses on the relationship between technique and pure abstraction. Participants will produce several studies that can be used as the basis for further development and/or more elaborate paintings. Cost: $60.

For workshop bookings and more information about this exhibition, please go to Council’s website.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678