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Smart's Labyrinth: Every picture a defeat
Title:
Smart's Labyrinth: Every picture a defeat
NFSA ID
282136
Year
1994
Artist Jeffrey Smart observes that he doesn’t like viewing his finished work as 'every picture is a defeat’. At work in his studio he reflects on being inspired rather than daunted by the work and achievements of the 'old masters’ who he suggests he cannot hope to emulate. Summary by Damien Parer.
Jeffrey Smart was born in Adelaide in 1921 and, like many of his contemporaries, went overseas to work. He began exhibiting regularly in 1957 and has held 25 solo exhibitions. His work is known for its stark industrial landscapes with lone figures. Producer Don Featherstone has made many documentaries about Australian artists. He is also the producer of Beautiful Lies, The Daylight Moon, An Imaginary Life and The Beach.
Smart's Labyrinth synopsis
Australian artist Jeffrey Smart has been living in Italy since the 1970s. This documentary looks at his life in the 1990s. He reflects on his life as a painter and offers observations about his artistic work. The film features footage from his home in Italy and whimsical visits to local sites seen in his work.
Notes by Damien Parer
Production company
Featherstone Productions
Producer
Don Featherstone
Executive Producer
Dasha Ross
Director
Geoffrey Bennett
Writer
Geoffrey Bennett
Original music
Antony Partos
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.