Robyn Rankin

Robyn Rankin’s bold, figurative interpretations of childhood transport the audience into an exuberant yet introspective world. The journey explores the idea that children are at once totally self absorbed and private in their play, and yet so innocently and publicly on view. Simple figures are reminiscent of cut-out paper dolls, represented in exaggerated poses and suspended on richly layered backgrounds.

Robyn also explores the theme of lovers, depicting quirky interpretations of flirting, romance and celebration. With a sense of fun, she captures the fullness and passion of love through extravagant use of colour and texture, or she pursues the softness and tentative nature of new love with flirty glances and wistful attitudes.

After graduating from Swinburne University, Rankin’s early career began in Melbourne as a graphic designer and photographer. Photographic assignments for the travel industry took her round Australia and New Zealand . Rankin later taught art and photography at Methodist Ladies’ College. A move to Noosa with her young family provided the opportunity to change direction, and a love affair with paint began in 2000.

Rankin is well represented in private collections in Australia and overseas, and is featured in the recent publication by Michael Berry, “Selective Contemporary Artists of Australia.”

Artist’s Statement

“I love photography...the idea of freezing a moment in time. I love being able to store images and memories, and honour our capacity to reflect on those treasures. I steal the moment and make it happen again with paint...these are the cherished images of a time when life is uncluttered and free.”

Education Details 

Dip. Ed. (Art Education), Toorak Teachers College, Melbourne, 1980   

Dip. Art (Graphic Design), Swinburne University, Melbourne, 1977   

HSC, Camberwell Church of England Girls Grammar School, Melbourne, 1974

Career Details

Artist, self employed, exhibiting in galleries throughout Australia and overseas,

March 2000 – present.

Designer of children’s ceramics and homewares, supplying retail outlets in Melbourne, self employed, June 1993 – April 1999.

Adult Education Teacher, Photography, Methodist Ladies College, Kew, Victoria,

February 1991 – November 1991.

Secondary Art/Photography Teacher, Methodist Ladies College, Kew, Victoria,

January 1985 – September 1990.

Secondary Art/Photography Teacher, Victorian Education Department, January 1981 – January 1985.

Graphic Designer/Photographer, Australian Pacific Tours, Victoria, March 1978 – January 1979.

Solo Exhibitions

June 2010   Art Images Gallery,  Norwood, Adelaide

October 2008  Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

September 2007  Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

June 2007  Art Images Gallery, Norwood, Adelaide

June 2006 Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

November 2005 Art Images Gallery, Norwood, Adelaide

June 2005 Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

Shared Exhibitions

September 2010 Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

May 2010 Canterbury Art Show, Melbourne

September 2009 Strathcona Art Show, Melbourne

August 2009 Without Pier Gallery, Sandringham, Melbourne

May 2009 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

April 2009 Moulton Galleries, Mosman, Sydney

May 2008 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

May 2007 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

April 2007 Melbourne Art Show

September 2007 Horizon Art Show, Gallery Wentworth, Sydney

May 2006 Canterbury Art Show, Melbourne

April 2006 Affordable Art Show, Melbourne

April 2005 Canterbury Art Show, Melbourne

April 2005 Affordable Art Show, Melbourne

December 2004 Articles Gallery, Stanwell Park, NSW

December 2004 Gallery M, South Melbourne

October 2004 Manyung Gallery, Mt Eliza, Vic

July 2004 Affordable Art Show, Sydney

May 2004 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

April 2004 Affordable Art Exhibition, Melbourne

December 2003 Articles Gallery, Stanwell Park, NSW

November 2003 Bark Modern Gallery, Hong Kong

September 2003 Manyung Gallery, Mt Eliza, Vic

August 2003 Manyung Gallery, Mt Eliza, Vic

May 2003 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

December 2002 Articles Gallery, Stanwell Park, NSW

September 2002 Manyung Gallery, Mt Eliza, Victoria

May 2002 Canterbury Art Exhibition, Melbourne

Publications

Michael Berry.  2003,  Selected Contemporary Artists of Australia,  Stuart Allen Melbourne