Mike Worrall “Oddball Visionary” solo show 2025

Mike Worrall cheekily lures the viewer into his labyrinthine, make-believe worlds. Worrall is a master of the art of blurring reality and fantasy. Theatre and illusion prevail, in these surrealist journeys into the imaginary, and if the wrong path is taken, who knows where it may lead. Worrall invites us to step beyond the threshold into the hinterland of the human soul. Each vignette, each composition, is in itself a perfect still from an unfinished film, perhaps left as a talisman by an obscure film-maker. Each painting celebrates a cultural succession borne of the Renaissance, followed by a dash of Baroque grandeur (think Velasquez), as well as the twentieth century champions of Surrealism (think Magritte and Delvaux) who developed techniques to allow the unconscious mind to express itself and interpret dreams.

Informed by his background in film, Worrall explores the mysterious and fantastical, as in a dream. His latest series has an oil paint application that is finely applied to the linen surface. He uses an illustrative, mark-making paint technique, the result being rendered, yet illusory, but with minimal loading of paint on the brush.

Paintings such as The Room of Looking Inwards, imply a profundity and paradox via optical illusions, mirrored surfaces and time-lapse scenery. Eccentric figures are humorously portrayed, faces reflected and street walkers lead us along meandering cobblestone walkways to curved glass and brass-framed shopfronts. The exquisite detail in the patina of a medieval building, an avenue of stone pines, and a costumed, imperious lady – demonstrate an obsessive dedication to his historically-placed scenery. It is a language reminiscent of the Renaissance era and Humanism. Irony and wit underscores a vaudevillian celebration of life, a Pan’s labyrinth of possibilities.

Worrall was born in 1942 in Matlock Derbyshire, UK. He has worked in the feature film industry as an “ideas artist”, and a Worrall painting famously inspired director Roman Polanski’s film Macbeth. Based in NSW, Australia, Worrall has been a practicing artist since the early 1960s, exhibiting both locally and internationally.

Art Enthusiasts Gather for Dayle Bolton’s 2024 Show

“Art of Dance, Dayle Bolton’s tenth show with Libby Edwards Galleries, kicked off on Saturday 25th May 2024. Drawing a supportive and enthusiastic, art-loving crowd of admirers, many who travelled two hours from Northern country Victoria. The artist’s recent transition from town to country Victoria, is reflected in works such as “Country Studio”, from her […]

New Arthur Boyd etchings

A rare suite of 6 spectacular black & white Arthur Boyd etchings from the Narcissus series of plates, currently available in the gallery, prints of which are in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, see link to this collection here. Depicted in the backdrop of this mythical series is Bundanon, and the banks […]

LA Art Tour

LA ART TOUR July 2021

The purpose, apart from being engaging, enlivening and thoroughly entertaining, is to go beyond looking at art, and discover the “feeling” behind it. This exploration is to use Los Angeles as the starting point for delving deep into contemporary American culture through the lense of contemporary, and established art. We can mix the Duchamps, the Goyas and the […]

Art Collection services

Art Collecting in 2020

Our established art advisory service, includes home or business art trials, art styling, hanging and tailored consultations by qualified, experienced & savvy staff.

Spring Art Collectors Show

Spring Collectors Show

Our curated selection of paintings, prints, objects & drawings by Modern Australian Artists, just in time for Spring. Investment pieces to add to your collection, entry point and high-end artworks, to suit every budget. Drop in for a drink this Wednesday between 5 – 7pm,and enjoy the art of conversation. This show is a precursor to the footy finals and as […]

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