Monday 2 June 2025, 10-11AM

Join Mary Tonkin in conversation with curator Fleur Rendell in the Bennett Gallery. The discussion will center on ‘Rambles’, Tonkin’s exhibition of large immersive paintings and the pencil, charcoal and ceramic drawings that underpin them. Learn about the artistic practice of this treasured Australian artist, how she developed her plein air approach and some experiences that have shaped her work.

About the artist

Landscape painter Mary Tonkin completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in 1995 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 at Monash University, where she has also lectured. Tonkin has held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney since 1999. Her work has been included in group exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and internationally in New York. Tonkin was awarded the National Gallery of Victoria Trustee award in 1994 and 1995 and Dobell drawing prize in 2002. Tonkin’s work is held by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, VIC and several regional and tertiary institutions.

Image: Ramble, Kalorama (detail) 2017-19, Oil on linen, Photo: Matthew Stanton

Contact the host of First Mondays: Mary Tonkin artist talk