Esther Erlich
Hullabaloo
7 – 29 August
Opening Night: Thursday 7 August 6-8pm
Fox Galleries is delighted to present an exhibition of new works by Melbourne based artist Esther Erlich. Renowned for her intimate portrayal of figures, viewers are invited to form a connection with her subjects often through the eyes.
The exhibition ‘Hullabaloo’ is no stranger to the affectionate stare recognised within the oeuvre of Esther Erlich. However, there is a sense of fun lying beneath the pursed faces. A carnival-like enthusiasm is prominent. Colour plays a heavy emphasis within all of the works – red being a standout. Each of the smaller portraits have a loose red wash painted over the faces. It acts as a veil, shielding their identity. There is a more chaotic approach than presented previously.
The works ‘Hullabaloo’ and ‘Racket’ depict a group of faces. Figures hang suspended in mid-air, appearing to pose for a photo. They emulate the uncontrolled nature of a birthday party or extended family dinner. It brings to light the theme of the exhibition – a hullabaloo. A commotion stirred as people are either angry or excited about something. This feeling although different from the intimate experience often felt when looking at an Esther Erlich painting remains deeply familiar.
NOTABLE AWARDS
2000 People’s Choice Award, Archibald Prize, Art Gallery of New South Wales; George Adams Gallery, Melbourne and Regional galleries tour
1998 Winner, Doug Moran Portrait Prize, Moran Arts Foundation, Sydney
RECENT AWARDS
2025 Finalist, Dobell Drawing Prize, National Art School, Sydney, NSW
2022 Finalist, Portia Geach Memorial Award, National Trust S.H.Ervin Gallery, Sydney
2022 Finalist, Percival Portrait Painting Prize Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Qld
2022 Semifinalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize
2020 Finalist, Kilgour Prize, Newcastle Art Gallery, NSW
2020 Finalist, The Percival Portait Painting Prize, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, QLD
2019 Finalist, Portia Geach Memorial Award, National Trust S.H.Ervin Gallery, Sydney
2018 Finalist, Portia Geach Memorial Award, S.H Ervin Gallery, Sydney, NSW
2018 Finalist, Percival Portrait Painting Prize, Townsville City, QLD
2017 Finalist, Portia Geach Award, National Trust S.H.Ervin Gallery, Sydney
2017 Semi Finalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, Moran Arts Foundation, Sydney
2016 Finalist, Percival Portrait Painting Prize, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, QLD
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 Because, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2023 Divine, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2022 Eye Can See Your Halo, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2020 The Beholder, Panter and Hall, London
2020 An Intimate Distance, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2020 L.A. Art Show, USA – represented by Panter and Hall, London
2019 AUDACIOUS, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2018 The Female Gaze, Fox Galleries, Melbourne