Local art collective fosters aesthete

A local Sydney painting collective has propelled one of their members to national recognition in the art world. Louise Beck, from the Brandling Street Arts Group, is a finalist in this year’s national Black Swan Prize for Portraiture, held in Perth and offering an award of $30,000 to the winner.

Beck credits the nomination to the stimulating and supportive environment that can be found in local art collectives. Having practised art professionally for over a dozen years, collecting many portraiture awards in regional competitions over that time, she strongly encourages other budding artists to join a local collective. “There are just so many high quality artists out there who do not receive any recognition because they are not at the forefront of the field,” she said. “By joining a collective such as the Brandling Street Arts Group, people’s talent can be nurtured and developed. Without the group, I would not have made the finals for the Black Swan Prize.”

The subject of Louise Beck’s portrait was Balmain identity Maurice Cuffe. Maurice is a Salvation Army member who is a regular collector every Saturday morning on the corner of Darling and Rowntree Streets, Balmain. Beck chose Cuffe because of his intriguing facial features and personality. Certainly, locals know him as a popular and engaging figure – as Beck observed first-hand. “Maurice was off sick recently, and when I was walking past his replacement, all I heard was people asking, ‘When’s Maurice going to be back?’” she said.

The Brandling Street Arts Group was established in the 1950s by Jane McGowan, daughter of Lord Casey, who was later appointed Governor-General by the Menzies Government. Jane owned a studio on Brandling Street in Alexandria, and allowed the property to be used by the arts group she established. Beck herself joined the society fifteen years ago, while the longest-serving members have now been active for about 25 years; there are about 40 members in total. Currently, the group meets at Alpha House Art Co-operative in Newtown twice weekly – Tuesday evenings consist of life drawing, while Wednesday sessions are focused on painting. There is also a painting session on Wednesday night, on Addison Road in Marrickville. A number of impending exhibitions are scheduled at the Balmain Watch House, and the group always welcomes new members.

by Marcus Coombs