Internationally renowned artist Tony Smibert to unveil new exhibition

A new exhibition will launch this weekend at the Art Gallery at Royal Park featuring works from internationally renowned artist Tony Smibert.

Tao Sublime, which will open to the public on Saturday, December 4, is the latest exhibition to feature at the Art Gallery.

With a career spanning 40 years, Tao Sublime brings to the fore Smibert's refined skill and dedication to landscape painting through a collection of emotive and striking works, many of which are being revealed to audiences for the first time.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the exhibition will offer a fantastic experience for visitors.

"It's great to be welcoming Tao Sublime as an exciting new exhibition this summer at the Art Gallery," Mayor van Zetten said.

"All works featured within the exhibition offer a glimpse into the extensive and fascinating career of Tony."

Smibert said the exhibition alludes to the sense of connection to nature that people often experience when exploring untouched landscapes.

"The feeling that you are small yet connected through a profound connection to the landscapes around you is the core message of Tao Sublime," Smibert said.

"My interest in landscapes arose from studying historic watercolour techniques and was further stimulated by my study of Aikido, time spent in Japan and a passion for the magic of what watercolour can do.

Tony Smibert in his Tasmanian studio. Image: Carmencita Palermo 

"The big acrylics featured in Tao Sublime are a product of the last 10 to 15 years when, while painting and exhibiting watercolours in public, I was privately working in acrylic wash, painting for me, with no particular idea to exhibit; and the result to date is ‘a shed full of paintings’ some of which are in this exhibition.

"Each work takes lots of paint, giant brushes, lots of energy and a sense of adventure. Nothing is ever fully planned, but comes from optimism and a blank canvas.

"Painting this way, every day, is a new adventure because even when disasters occur, many lead to discoveries."

View more about Tao Sublime

Media release issued Friday 3 December 2021