Title

Robert Jacks: Print survey 1973-2003.

Venues

Port Jackson Press [Gallery] (24 June 2003 – 13 July 2003)

Date

(2003)

Summary

Single-artist exhibition. Located: Australia (VIC). Prints.

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

Robert Jacks is a major figure in Australian art history.  His contribution and commitment to contemporary art is celebrated in the latest release of Australian Hero stamps, featuring his 1985 painting Cord Long Drawn, Expectant.  The three other important artists in the series are: Sydney Nolan, Howard Arkley and Joy Hester.

Jacks made a significant contribution to international art, particularly during his time in New York and Canada in the 1960s and 70s.  During this important period – the movement into abstraction – Jacks pioneered the use of print and paper.  His painting and sculpture was also significant; Jacks was included in the major survey of contemporary Australian art, The Field – the 1968 inaugural exhibition of the then new National Gallery of Victoria in St Kilda Road, with contemporaries such as Paul Partos, Dale Hickey and Peter Booth.

This Port Jackson Press Gallery exhibition is a small survey of his works on paper produced between 1975 and 2003.  Utilizing many techniques, such as lithography, screenprinting and etching, as well developing his own methods to produce monoprints, these works make evident the significant contribution Jacks has made to the use of the print medium in contemporary art.

From 14 June – 13 July 2003, this exhibition features some of Jacks’ most important works on paper.  This includes his exploration into abstraction during the Colour Field and Geometric Abstraction movements.

We also witness his investigation into, and extension of, Modernism, referencing important icons like the guitar and cello which were used by artists such as Cezanne, Picasso and Brancusi as they began exploring representation and abstraction in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. [PJP media].