Royston Harpur: A Painter’s Painter

19 September – 30 November 2025

Royston Harpur The mountain of souls (detail) 2012

A Painter’s Painter is an important survey exhibition of the late Australian abstract painter and poet, Royston Harpur (1938 - 2023). Harpur, deeply influenced by Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism was a significant figure in the development of Australian abstract painting during the 1960s and ‘70s.

The exhibition will be a major retrospective exhibition of the late, Mudgee-based abstract painter, Royston Harpur. Mudgee Arts Precinct initially began a conversation with Harpur two years ago about developing an exhibition that placed his work in a contemporary context. Unfortunately, Harpur died in 2023 before any dates could be confirmed. The project is based on extensive discussions with Harpur before his death, which is why a curatorium has been formed to realise this project (Buckley, Galloway, Stenson and Thurgate).

The exhibition will include a selection of paintings from 1968 to 2020 and will be installed with appropriate care reflecting Harpur’s aesthetic and wholistic approach to the exhibition of his works. The exhibition will also include key objects from his collection of Asian ceramics, scrolls, and a life size reclining gold leafed buddha that were all central to his practice as a Ch'an (Zen) Buddhist. The key outcome of this project is to create an understanding of the importance of Harpur’s work in the development of Australian post WW11 abstract painting. Harpur was part of a small group of painters that included, Stanislaus Rapotec, Yvonne Audette, Peter Upward, John Olsen and Ian Fairweather, who were all influenced by the “Zen characteristics of simplicity … and self-reflection”.

The exhibition will also address the misconception that Harpur, and others, were influenced by American abstract expressionism. The location of the exhibition at Mudgee Arts Precinct, is an appropriate site given that Harpur lived in Mudgee from 2000 until his death in 2023. Harpur was part of the wider regional arts community that included Kandos Projects, Cementa, Wayout Artspace and Gallery 47 in Rylstone.

Royston Harpur: A Painters Painter
19 September – 30 November 2025
Opening: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Friday 19 September