Home / Artists / Melanie Duncan

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About

Both the ocean & desert inspire my art practice. My work is about nature’s cycles & deep geological time, where connection to land & the stories entrenched within it stand strong & remind us that time is not linear.

I consider myself a landscape painter. My practice consists predominantly of two bodies of work; abstract process painting where I replicate the concept of time using layers of paint, and smaller intricate collage using plant dye and natural found objects to represent nature’s fleeting moments. The symbol of a mandala in some collage pieces represents time, and acknowledges reflection, to look at a relationship between our own centre and our experience.

The landscape paintings I create help anchor memories of a place, although are not always exhibited. These memories, feelings and colours all have a significant influence in my paintings.

Initial inspiration for my work came from living near the ocean. However upon completing my Honours Degree at COFA in 2008 (now UNSW Art & Design, Sydney) I moved to a remote aboriginal community in the Northern Territory which impacted profoundly on my art making practice. The mighty presence felt while being immersed in this ancient land and the energy it holds continues to influence my work. I now live in Gerringong, my work continues to be inspired by my ocean and desert experiences. I have held annual solo shows since 2012 (apart from 2015, the year I had my first child). I also work in Community Development.

  • 2017 – Finalist, Outback Art prize, Broken Hill Regional Gallery
  • 2016 – Solo show - Innate, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mt Tomah
  • 2012 – Invited Artist, Local: Current, Wollongong City Art Gallery
  • 2011 – RAAASS Grant recipient – Delivery of Art program in remote aboriginal community, N.T.
  • 2008 – Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) Honours, UNSW Art & Design, Sydney (COFA)

Gerringong NSW 2534
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Featured Works

Deep Time

2008

Davids Farm

2008

One journey (Image Bernie Fischer)

2012

Jellyfish panels (Image Bernie Fischer)

2011

Singing Tree (image Bernie Fischer)

2012