MARISA AVANO
Each painting is a journey to self-discovery, an observation into the world around us, and a way of finding a connection with the viewer. My experience with the Australian landscape informs my work and encounters with people. Each experience brings me back to the canvas one more time.
Marisa Avano’s artwork reveals the beauty and complexity of our relationship with the natural world as it charts a course that takes in a series of experiences. Her work is a visual adventure capturing heightened moments in which the earth reveals new aspects of itself to the receptive artist. Avano attests to the rhythmic movement of earth, water, air, light, colour and shade in these exchanges.
-
Marisa’s encounters with nature takes viewers to sites across the Australian continent, from the slopes of the Dandenong Ranges to the wetlands of Kakadu and the forests of Tasmania to the Central Desert and Uluru, and while we may be familiar with the physical landscapes Avano has evoked, there is nonetheless, in each of these works, abundant evidence of a unique and highly personal perspective at play, for the life of the artist and the life of the landscapes have been authentically synthesised with an extraordinary degree of mastery and sensitivity.
Born in Melbourne, Marisa grew up in a family of artists and studied art and design at Dandenong College TAFE. Marisa has held numerous exhibitions and is a finalist in The Alice Prize (2024) NT; Lethbridge Landscape Prize (2021) QLD; Gosford Art Prize (2020) NSW; Percival Portrait Painting Prize (2020) QLD; Bay of Fires Art Prize (2018) TAS. Her art is included in private collections in Australia and overseas. Marisa works from her studio in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia.
-
Sun Kiss
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1200 x 1000 mm
AUD 3230.00
Inspired by the beaches of Lord Howe Island, where crowds gather daily to catch a glimpse of abundant fish life and turtles. The afternoon is kissed by the warm glow of the setting sun as the swimmers bask and search for sea life in the water.
-
Savour the Moment
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1220 x 910 mm
AUD 3230.00
This painting reflects recent times we live in. Self-isolation or confinement in our homes in a period of uncertainty.
Yet amidst the challenges, it is an opportunity for reaffirming our relationships and remembering what’s important in life. As we watch television, we sip on our cups of hope.
-
Subway Exit
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1220 x 920 mm
AUD 3230.00
Commuters rise out of a railway subway at Parliament Station Melbourne. Each person drawn to their own destination. Strangers and familiar faces walk up the stairs towards the light of day.
-
Cello
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1000 x 1200 mm
AUD 3230.00
There is something sacred about the sound of a cello. It tugs at your heart strings as its strings reverberate and pull you in. Here the musician loses himself in the music, as the cello and he becomes one.
-
Fathers and Sons
Acrylic on stretched canvas
910 x 1220 mm
AUD 3230.00
On the back beaches of Sorrento Victoria, fathers and sons walk on the hot sand. It conjures up sounds one can imagine or recall. One can hear the sound of seagulls crying and waves crashing in. These moments will be fond memories they will look back to.
-
Decked Out
Acrylic on stretched canvas
920 x 1220 mm
AUD 3230.00
Each summer we go to shorelines of Australia to greet the sun. Decked Out illustrates the laid back atmosphere of beach culture. A man reclines on his deck chair. Hints of his connection to family are placed around the painting. The scene captures a moment of quiet contemplation near the waves.
-
Search for Truth
Acrylic on stretched canvas
910 x 1220 mm
AUD 3230.00
The search for truth is a journey to discover what is right or wrong. It includes universal truths and some that pertain just to us. Whilst some facts can be found in books, others are illusive and there begins the eternal life search.
-
Watching the Birdwatchers
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1020 x 750 mm
AUD 2650.00
Inspired by a bird watching tour on the Daintree River. This painting captures seekers of birdlife amongst the forest and riverbed. Whilst they were looking out of the boat, I looked in and gazed at them sharing a moment of quiet anticipation of the next feathered flight.
-
Centre Spirit
Acrylic on stretched canvas
910 x 1220 mm
AUD 3230.00
Uluru - Your silent voice is the wind rustling through the trees below. Your orange face, lined with crevices of age, is speckled with bushes and trees that hang to your wind-swept surface. Brown stripes cascade down your face where waterfalls of your tears once fell. The blue sky and hot sun set a backdrop to your presence.
What secrets do you hold? What stories could you tell? A bird sings and interrupts your silence.
-
Island Horizon
Acrylic on stretched canvas
765 x 610 mm
AUD 2650.00
Island Horizon reflects the natural wilderness of Tasmania. I endeavoured to capture this wilderness within the art process itself, by using loose free gestures with paint and brush. I also wanted to capture the movement of light and water in this coastal landscape. The strength of the rocks withstands the waves, whilst the endless islands reach toward the horizon.
-
Groundswell
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1015 x 760 mm
AUD 2650.00
‘Groundswell’ is inspired by my visit to Victoria’s Gippsland lakes region. Many of the islands can only be reached by boat.
The scene spills in and out of the frame with its fluid form. A deep sense of history breathes up from the earth in this place.
-
Pomergranate Sky 1
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1000 x 760 mm
AUD 2650.00
The ancient fruit pomegranates seem to float in the air in this folk art motif. Cross sections and whole fruit hang together like baubles in a celebration of the seeds of life and the colour pink.
-
Soul Portrait
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1220 x 920 mm
AUD 3057.00
Gazing into the eyes of another is the gateway to the soul. This portrait captures a quiet contemplative expression that reaches out to the viewer with its gaze like a familiar friend. No words are needed to express this peaceful soul as she sends out peace to anyone who sees her.
-
She'll Be Apples
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1020 x 760 mm
AUD 2650.00
In this aerial still life of apples, colour and form combine with warm light. The title and artwork is also a metaphor for a positive attitude to life – ‘She’ll Be Apples’ translates to everything will be turn out. The plate is overflowing with abundance and the surrounding leaves are symbols of a good life.
-
Woven Landscape
Acrylic on stretched canvas
1220 x 910 mm
AUD 3230.00
The wetlands of Fogg Dam, Northern Territory. During certain seasons, tall reeds flatten on the ground to create a woven tapestry of dried foliage. The landscape seems to be knitted into place in this woven landscape.
-
Mangrove Weave
Acrylic on canvas
760 x 1020 mm
SOLD -
Giggle
Acrylic on canvas
920 x 1220 mm
SOLD
Gallery Socials