Rick Matear’s Freecycling and Art Class Exhibition

Explore acclaimed Melbourne artist Rick Matear’s latest exhibit of works — Freecycling, investigating his creative connection and moments of deep contemplation that occur while bike riding.

The Freecycling collection includes over 30 pieces, taking Rick’s love for riding and combining this with his profound analysis of different aspects of life and current affairs, producing imaginative and light-hearted visual portrayals that juxtapose social norms.

“Riding my bike to work each day is a source of inspiration. It is often when new ideas for my paintings come to me. Some of the concepts for this exhibition were born on those rides. Cycling is more than just a creative spark, though. It is a way to stay grounded, both mentally and physically, and it aligns with my commitment to sustainability in my art and my life.” – Rick Matear.

Running concurrently with Freecycling will be an exhibition of Rick’s art student works — his first-ever student showing at the Convent.

About

Rick Matear

Born in 1960, Rick graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1981. While at the VCA he was awarded the Sara Levi Prize for the most outstanding student in painting. Rick has had a strong and successful painting career since the early 1980s.

Rick currently lives and works in Melbourne. His loves are painting, his family, gardening and teaching art. A keen cyclist, he rides to and from work, enjoying the peace and private time that this provides. He has a strong interest in maintaining the unique qualities and historical significance of the Abbotsford Convent precinct, which houses his studio. This inner urban site is nestled alongside a seemingly rural stretch of Melbourne’s Yarra River and hosts a large and diverse community of creatives.