Ep 171: Mary Tonkin

Watch highlights from this conversation on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel

I loved this conversation with Mary Tonkin at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney, before the start of her survey exhibition Among the Trees (opening 3 January 2026). The show brings together paintings, drawings and ceramics dating from 2008, works that reflect Mary’s deep relationship with her family farm in Victoria’s Dandenong ranges and with painting from life. Her painting ‘Ramble Kalorama’, measuring almost 19 metres long, is a magnificent meditation on what it is to be in the Australian landscape and was a huge hit at the 2022 Sydney Contemporary Art Fair.

Mary Tonkin has won many awards and her works are held in major public institutions and private collections. She is represented by Australian Galleries.

NB: When Mary speaks about her teacher Geoff in this conversation she is referring to Geoff Dupree.

Links

Mary Tonkin on Instagram

Mary Tonkin at Australian Galleries

‘Among the Trees’, S.H.Ervin Gallery, 3 January to 1 March 2026

Highlights YouTube video

My instagram reel of ‘Ramble, Kalorama’ at Sydney Contemporary (2022)

https://youtu.be/84JSU210-38?si=78SsLYUPGalbja-g

‘Ramble, Kalorama’ (2017–2019) at Sydney Contemporary, 2022 18.9m x 1.8m (21 panels) Oil on linen

‘Coprosma Madonna, Kalorama’ 2021-22 oil on linen 320 x 610cm Photographer Matthew Stanton

‘Madre, Kalorama’ 2008 oil on linen 244cm x 508 cm Photographer John Brash

‘A scream, Kalorama’ 2023 oil on linen 214 x 366cm Photograph Matthew Stanton

‘Regent, Kalorama’ 2012 charcoal on paper 241 x 271cm Photographer John Brash

‘Saint Anthony Beaten By Devils’ 24.5cm x 39.5cm Sassetta, c1423, 1424 Pinacoteca Nazionale