This panel discussion, convened by Vanessa Van Ooyen (Director, QUT Galleries and Museums) brings together Dr Rex Butler (Professor, Art History & Theory at Monash University) and Samantha Littley (Curator, Australian Art, at QAGOMA) to explore how Robinson’s work has been received by the public, critics, and institutions over time—and how his legacy continues to evolve.

Robinson is one of the very few artists to have a gallery dedicated solely to his practice during his lifetime. Coupled with his inclusion in major collections and recognition through prestigious awards, his work has inspired admiration, provoked debate, and invited rigorous curatorial attention and public engagement. Yet, despite these achievements, his national profile remains less prominent than that of many of his contemporaries.

Rex Butler

Dr Rex Butler is an art historian, writer and Professor in Art History & Theory at Monash University. He authored the essay William Robinson: Depicting invisible distance as part of the Queensland Art Gallery publication Brought to Light II: Contemporary Australian Art 1966- 2006.

Samantha Littley

Samantha Littley is an arts writer and Curator, Australian Art, at QAGOMA. The Queensland Art Gallery developed the first major survey of Robinson's work, Darkness and Light: The art of William Robinson, in 2001 and holds many of the artist’s most notable artworks, including the major four panel series Four Seasons 1987.

Presented in conjunction with the current exhibition William Robinson: Reflections.

Image: William Robinson. Photography: Louis Lim.