'UPTOWN DOWNTOWN' SERIES

© Margo Donoghue 2024

Allegorical subject matter with a topical significance is the basis for this series of paintings.  I reference everyday subject matter that explores some of the human relationships of our urban society against an Australian demographic.

Realist painting is described as the accurate and objective description of the ordinary, observable world, however it often challenges the way people perceive reality.

Judy Chicago believes ‘that if visual art speaks clearly about something relevant to peoples’ lives, it can change the way they perceive reality’.


'City Shadows' mixed media on canvas 95cm x 75cm x 3cm.jpg

CITY SHADOWS 2021

Mixed media on canvas

75cm x 95cm x 4cm

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic will mean 10 per cent fewer people will work in Australia’s city centres.

‘City Shadows’ explores images of city workers fading into a landscape

SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTION, BRISBANE


'Suits' 95cm x 100cm oil on canvas.jpg

SUITS

Mixed media on canvas
Height: 95cm Width 100cm Depth 4cm

SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTION, BRISBANE

My theme explores aspects of identity within the world of business dynamics.


Rush Hour, 2011

RUSH HOUR

Acrylic & mixed media on canvas
Height: 95cm Width 125cm Depth: 4cm

Rush Hour explores the rhythm and bustle of city business people commuting during peak hour.  An allegorical work with a topical significance is the basis for this painting.  I mostly avoid the temptation of complete visual documentation by setting a compositional frame work with a lower level perspective to reveal a partial narrative that preserves the anonymity of the players and the ‘state of play’.

Finalist 2012 Stanthorpe Art Festival

SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTION QUEENSLAND


Cyclists, 2011-2012

CYCLISTS

Oil on canvas
Height: 95cm Width 100cm Depth 4cm

Cyclists are a common scene on our city streets these days.  This group of cyclists were taking a lunch break under the shade of a tree outside the Brisbane GPO on a hot summer's day.  I decided to focus on the animated cyclists in their bright bike gear as a group composition coalescing a high level perspective with washed out indeterminate surroundings.  

POA


Crossing #1 Brisbane Summer Saturday, 2009

CROSSING #1 BRISBANE SUMMER SATURDAY (EDWARD ST)

Oil on Canvas
Height: 75cm Width 95cm Depth: 4cm

Summer Saturday afternoon pedestrians Edward St Brisbane.

Part of the collection of UHY Haines Norton Acccountants in Brisbane.

SOLD - UHY COLLECTION, BRISBANE


Crossing #2 Wickham Terrace , 2009

CROSSING #2 BRISBANE SUMMER FRIDAY (WICKHAM TERRACE)

Oil on canvas
Height: 75cm Width 95cm Depth: 4cm

Afternoon office commuters crossing Wickham Tce. 

Part of the collection of UHY Haines Norton Acccountants in Brisbane.

SOLD - UHY COLLECTION, BRISBANE


VALLEY CROSSING (Brunswick & Anne Streets, Brisbane)

Oil on linen
Height: 45cm Width 65cm Depth: 4cm

Typical weekday pedestrian crossing scene in 'The Valley' Brisbane.

POA


Lunchtime Wickham Terrace, 2009

LUNCHTIME WICKHAM TERRACE

Oil on linen
Height: 46cm Width 60cm Depth: 4cm

Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, a typical weekday lunchtime scene.

SOLD Private collection Brisbane


Valley Crossing, 2009

VALLEY CROSSING (Anne Street, Brisbane)

Oil on linen
Height: 46.5cm Width 65cm Depth: 4cm

The Valley, Brisbane, typical weekday lunchtime scene.

POA


Bus stop Eagle Street (Brisbane), 2009

BUS STOP EAGLE STREET (BRISBANE)

Oil on canvas
Height: 45cm Width 60cm Depth: 4cm

When it rains in Brisbane, it rains and we are rarely prepared.  Huddled together and waiting for that bus, commuters just want to get home and dry.  Having worked in the city and experienced the working city life, I have enjoyed painting and documenting people profiled in their city setting.

POA


The Misfits, 2011

THE MISFITS

Mixed media on canvas
Height: 100cm Width 95cm Depth: 3cm

The underlying principle behind my work is the research and visual documentation of city life as a sociological statement within an historical and geographical context. My work is based on observation, documentation and imagination through intuition and experience.

Allegorical subject matter with a topical significance has been the basis for this painting.  ‘The Misfits’ explores the politics of personal relationships and dynamics within a city space.  I mainly avoid the temptation of complete visual documentation by setting a compositional frame work with a lower level perspective to reveal a partial narrative that preserves the anonymity of the players and the ‘state of play’. 

SOLD - SEYMOUR FAMILY COLLECTION, BRISBANE


All images contained in this site are under automatic copyright to the artist. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of any image may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the artist. 

Enquiries should be addressed to the artist, Margo Donoghue via email - margodon20@gmail.com

© Margo Donoghue 2024