Ernie Gerzabek
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Biography
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Ernie Gerzabek started painting in 1970 while practising as a Chartered Architect. He has exhibited in various group and solo shows ever since. As the popularity of his paintings increased, he retired from Architecture in 1997 to paint full time.
Inspiration:
Gerzabek's main inspiration is Nature and the unique landscapes of Australia in particular: wilderness areas, wetlands, the unspoilt countryside, deserts and seashores.
The Australian continent's unique geography, specialised fauna and flora, and also the infinite variety of survival strategies in harsh environments - all such subject matters are a constant source of wonderment to the artist. It is no surprise they become favourite and recurrent themes for him.
Artistic Influences:
When considering which artists influenced him, Gerzabek says he most admires Van Gogh's intensity and use of colour to stir up emotions, Paul Klee's sensitivity and insight into our inner beings, Kandinsky's exuberance and sense of composition, Picasso's inventiveness and broad range of interests.
As for Australian artists, he loves John Olsen's playful and imaginative expression, Fred Williams' ability to abstract the essential elements of a landscape, and last but not least, Emily Kngwarreye's instinctive mastery of colour, structure and connection to Country.
Interpretation and Expression:
Gerzabek's interpretation of natural phenomena is unique, surprising and unpredictable. His paintings not only encapsulate the essential elements, colours and features of a particular place, but also recreate the ambience and the `feel' of being there.
Typically, his work is exuberant, highly original, vibrant, confident and eye-catching. Most pieces are charged with positive energy, richly textured and overflow with dazzling colour. Other pieces are soft, meditative and introspective.
Gerzabek tends to create playful, decorative and inspiring images, which are both optimistic and spiritually uplifting. Memories, dreams and altered states are likely to be recalled; taking the viewer back to childhood or a secret place long forgotten.
His aim is to provide enjoyment and relaxation so as to counter the stresses of everyday life.
Collections:
Gerzabek paintings are sold in a number of commercial galleries in Sydney. His works are highly sought after by art lovers, interior designers and architects.
Apart from Australia, his works can be found in private collections all around the world, including USA, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, New Zealand and a number of European countries.
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Statement
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Exhibitions
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Solo shows
2003 The Gallery Grand Salon, City of Melbourne
GIG Gallery, Glebe
Arthouse Hotel Gallery
Global Gallery, Paddington
Glen Street Theatre, Belrose
2002 Arthouse Hotel, City of Sydney
Dale Thomas Gallery, Artarmon
Vistablue Gallery, North Sydney
1999 Forresters Gallery, Surry Hills
Group shows
2003 Grosvenor Galleries
2002 Forest Gallery, Durras
Gallery Paul, Melbourne
Salmon Galleries, McMahons Point
MacLaren Roberts Gallery, Mosman
The Wentworth Gallery, Sydney
Valerie Cohen Gallery, Paddington
Gannon House Gallery, Sydney
Montesol Gallery, Warriewood Beach
2001 Rendez-Vous Art Gallery, Vancouver
Barbara Carmichael Gallery, Roseville
Mosman Art Gallery
Manly Art Gallery and Museum
2000 The Sydney Art Gallery, Ultimo
Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Seaforth
Soho Gallery, Leichhardt
North Sydney Fine Arts, North Sydney
Great Southland Art Prize, Oxford Falls
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