WA’s unique and striking landscapes have been a source of inspiration for many artists through the years, but acclaimed modernist artist Robert Juniper’s own talents and striking style has taken WA art to another level during his six-decade career.
His achievements and awards are too many to list, but include two prestigious Wynne Prizes and places in all major public collections.
His commissioned works include the coat of arms at the Perth Commonwealth Law Courts, and stained glass work at Forrest Chase.
“`I didn’t study fine art, but I was very interested in British artists at that particular time like John Piper and the Nash brothers, the English war art, so I was very much influenced by my English experience,” Juniper said.
“When I came back to WA in 1949, I started to work in the field of industrial design and commercial art and didn’t see much future in that for me.
“My friend and artistic mentor John Lunghi suggested I go to the Eastern States and see what was going on over there for a year.”
Juniper said when he returned to WA, Lunghi encouraged him to enter a painting in the Perth Society of Artists’ annual exhibition.
“I got a pat on the back from the local art-going community and that encouraged me to take up painting as a profession,” he said.
Juniper has seen many changes to the art scene, including WA becoming less isolated and art appreciation enter the mainstream consciousness.
Celebrating his contribution to WA art is a new book, Robert Juniper, by writer and art historian Gavin Fry.
- An exhibition of Juniper’s work will be on display at Claremont’s Greenhill Galleries until February 8.
A book launch will be held at the Art Gallery of WA on February 4, with Juniper signing copies from 5.30pm.