Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Maestri GRAV Biography
Guido Maestri, commonly known as Guy Maestri, is an Australian artist whose profound connection with the Australian landscape is vividly expressed through his textured, gestural paintings. His work is a testament to his deep appreciation for the terrain of his homeland, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the art world, notably with the prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture in 2009.
Maestri's artistic journey is one of evolution and adaptation. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the ability to travel and paint en plein air was restricted, Maestri's practice took an inventive turn. He began creating landscape dioramas as a substitute for the direct experience of nature. This approach was inspired by the miniature world that he shared with his young son, August. Maestri observed that children's toys are often scaled-down versions of real-life objects, which help them understand the world. He applied this concept to his art, building tiny, tangible landscapes to serve as the basis for his paintings.
The dioramas allowed Maestri to become the creator of his own landscapes, giving him the freedom to manipulate the 'stage' before painting. This process resulted in works that are not mere representations of a place but are instead imbued with a sense of artificiality and otherworldliness. His paintings, such as 'Wombarra,' based on an area of coastal rainforest north of Wollongong, on Dharawal Country, are thus twice removed from reality: first as a diorama and then as a painted interpretation. The resulting artworks are a blend of naturalistic depth and a dreamlike quality that is distinctly Maestri's.
In his work, Maestri employs a variety of brushstrokes, from large, washy strokes to smaller, more controlled ones. This technique allows him to experiment with the application of paint and create different textures and effects. His paintings invite viewers to observe closely and from a distance, offering different experiences at varying proximities.
Maestri's process is akin to gardening, where the landscape is not fixed and can be shaped and reshaped. This philosophy extends to his paintings, which develop their own life and place as they progress. The landscapes he creates are not just visual representations but are also ideas or memories, capturing the essence of a place rather than its exact likeness.
His work is celebrated for its ability to direct the viewer's gaze, creating an illusion of depth through the treatment of foreground, middle ground, and background. Maestri's paintings are carefully composed to guide the eye through the artwork, using techniques that infer depth and perspective.
Beyond his landscape works, Maestri's artistic repertoire includes portraiture, for which he has received significant acclaim. His portrait of the Indigenous musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu won the Archibald Prize, highlighting his versatility and skill in capturing the essence of his subjects.
Maestri's contributions to the art world extend to his engagement with educational resources. His work has been used as a basis for discussion and activities in educational settings, encouraging students to explore and experiment with artistic techniques and to think critically about the artistic process.
Overall, Guy Maestri's art is a reflection of his innovative spirit and his ability to adapt and find inspiration even in challenging circumstances. His paintings are a celebration of the Australian landscape and an exploration of memory, perception, and the creative process. Through his work, Maestri continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary Australian art.
Maestri GRAV Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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