Lloyd Rees (b.1895-1988) was born in Yeronga on Jagera Country in Meanjin (Brisbane), Queensland – mainly living in Sydney on Gadigal Country before spending his later life in nipaluna (Hobart) with his son and family. He was a skilled painter, draughtsman, and printmaker dedicated to depicting the effects of light on the landscape¹. His works were not limited to a particular style of place, though the changes in his approach throughout his lifetime can be attributed to his gradually deteriorating eyesight. He lovingly represented the Australian landscape, focussing his works on exploring the relationship between man and nature, and forever seeking a harmony and balance between the two.

Mountain slopes by Rees offers an idyllic view of the mountain slopes in the south-east of lutruwita (Tasmania). Rees has covered the landscape in a light-drenched blue haze that envelops the canvas, his softly blended pastel hues and lively brushstrokes invoking the essence of place, the light and spirit within nature and in all things. The ancient rockface in the foreground conveys notions of deep-time, permanence and grounding – presented as a symbol for the composition of the earth, and its part in the universe – while the rippling currents of the Derwent River flow in and out towards the horizon line in the background.

1. Art Gallery of New South Wales, “Artist Profile: Lloyd Rees,” accessed December 15, 2020,, https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/artists/rees-lloyd/.