Lot 48

The Artist
Philip Bacon Galleries, Queensland (label verso)
Private collection, New South Wales
Thence by descent

Robert Dickerson, Philip Bacon Galleries, Brisbane, 3 - 28 July 2007, cat. no. 9

Robert Dickerson (1924-2015) was a distinctive figurative painter, known for his moving depictions of solitary figures and quiet urban scenes. Emerging as a self-taught artist in the mid 30s he was driven by the gratification that painting gave him. "I am not a commercial artist and have never painted for a market and never will."

Dickerson's practice was shaped by his working-class background and personal experiences, which instilled a sense of realism and introspection in his work. His paintings from the 1990s continued to explore themes of isolation, resilience, and the emotional weight of human existence.
'Waiting, Mother and Child' 1991, exhibited at Phillip Bacon Gallery in 2007, is an iconic example of his style and thematic concerns. The painting portrays an emotional scene, potentially set during or in the aftermath of wartime. The mother, seated with her child limp across her lap, speaks of despair and anguish. Her open mouth appears to be mid-scream or cry, capturing a moment of raw grief or helplessness. The child, lifeless in appearance, reinforces the emotional weight of the artwork.

The background of ruined buildings evokes a sense of destruction and abandonment. The stark, angular structures emphasize the desolation, while the muted blues and greens contribute to the overall mood of the painting. Although the subject matter is unsettling, the artist has captivated beauty through his use of colour. The composition's simplicity draws the viewer's focus to the emotional connection between the figures and their surroundings.

Dickerson's ability to convey deep emotion with minimal detail allows the viewer to engage with the psychological depth of the scene.

Throughout his career, Dickerson often depicted individuals in states of contemplation or solitude. This was evident in his paintings of the 1990s, where his compositions became more refined, focusing on the tension between presence and absence.

Dickerson's artistic language was shaped by his early experiences. Having served as a pilot in World War II, he witnessed firsthand the impact of conflict and displacement. These experiences informed his later representations of the human condition, particularly his sensitivity to themes of separation and survival. The 1990s saw him return to these themes with renewed focus, creating works that captured the quiet resilience of his subjects.

Dickerson's minimalist use of colour and form heightens the emotional weight of his paintings. In 'Waiting, Mother and Child', the subdued background isolates the figures, reinforcing their emotional state. The use of shadow and light creates a stark contrast that adds to the overall mood of quiet tension. His figures often appear alone a testament to his ongoing exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

By the 1990s, Dickerson had firmly established himself as one of Australia's most respected figurative painters. His work during this period retained its characteristic introspection, with a greater refinement in composition and thematic depth. 'Waiting, Mother and Child' shows his ability to distil deep human emotions into simple yet profoundly moving imagery, capturing the essence of loss and love.

Wiebke Brix
Head of Art

(1) Bellamy, L., A Life in Full Colour, The Age, Melbourne, 3 May 2004
(2) Dickerson, J., Robert Dickerson: Against the Tide, Pandanus Press, Brisbane, 1994

© Robert Dickerson/Copyright Agency, 2025