“[I hope people seeing this work feel] happiness, intrigue and a new inquisition about footpaths.” Geoffrey Odgers in GIGANTIC
New South Wales south coast painter Geoffrey Odgers is one of the amazing artists in GIGANTIC at Tyger.
We are thrilled to welcome back the superb Geoffrey Odgers for GIGANTIC - our upcoming show of artists working on a grand scale.
Join us to celebrate the opening of this spectacular show on Saturday 26 April, 1-3pm. Register now to secure your spot at this FREE event - you'll be first to see all the works in GIGANTIC, and you’ll get to meet the artists involved.
Geoffrey is an outstanding oil painter based on the south coast of New South Wales whose work has been recognised in national art prizes in Australia and overseas. His work in GIGANTIC is the breathtaking Footpath 2204 Walking Back to Happiness - an EPIC 202x153cm oil on canvas diptych.
It’s a truly stunning painting and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Ahead of the show opening, Geoffrey told us about looking down for inspiration, and surrendering to the challenge of a large work.
Tell us the story of this work. What inspired it?
“Footpath 2204 Walking Back to Happiness is from a series of works developed from images of footpaths at Nicholson Street Bairnsdale, Vic 3875 and Sydney Street Marrickville NSW 2204.”
“This painting is from the footpath in Sydney Street Marrickville NSW, 2204. I did extensive mixed media drawings and photos over a weekend when I was staying there in 2024.”
“Whilst my initial reaction and response to the wretched state of these footpaths was around social justice and disregard for the community, I also responded to the lines, textures, patterns and the state of disrepair of the footpaths represented.”
“With this series I wanted to express the feelings I had whilst being a flaneur, using footpaths. I find the beginning and end of the journey sets my mood. In this instance, the lyricism of the lines and broken patterns become a record of the happiness and pleasure I gained from the initial use of the footpath, as well as my immersion in the painting process.” “Walking Back to Happiness became the response to my apperceptive feeling derived from my perceived initial image reactions.”
Tell us about how you created your work.
“This diptych was originally developed from drawings en plein air and photos. I made black and white prints of the photos and worked with these and my drawings to develop the images. I also did a smaller, 80 x 50 cm oil study to feel for the structural and linear composition.”
What particular challenges came from working on a piece of this size?
“Working on a large scale is harder for me than it used to be. My age and physical limitations mean I have to prepare mentally before I approach the work. I work 6 - 8 hours a day and up to 9 days to complete a large piece. It is draining but immensely pleasurable to surrender to the challenge and grow with the work.”
What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
“Happiness, intrigue and a new inquisition about footpaths and how they will respond to them.”
Register now for the opening of GIGANTIC on Saturday 26 April, 1-3pm.
