Mary Pinnock Biography
Mary Pinnock (b. 1951, Australia) Mary Pinnock, an esteemed Archibald Prize finalist, has long been celebrated for her profound connection to the natural world, a connection that has only deepened in the face of global environmental challenges. Working from her studio in Paddington, Sydney, Mary's latest works are a testament to her evolving relationship with nature, particularly her fascination with the resilience of cacti. Her upcoming exhibition, "My Crazy Wild Garden," is an ode to these remarkable plants that thrive in the harshest conditions with minimal water—true survivors in the era of climate change. In "My Crazy Wild Garden," Mary embraces the notion that the traditional, water-intensive green lawns of the past are giving way to more sustainable landscaping, such as rock gardens. She sees water as "Liquid Gold," a precious resource in our changing world. Her exhibition is set to showcase the unexpected beauty of desert flora, celebrating the life it supports and the lessons it offers in survival. Through her art, Mary invites viewers to explore the vibrant colors and whimsical shapes of cacti, offering a lighthearted yet poignant reflection on how climate change can be harnessed to enrich our environment. Solo Exhibitions: - Holdsworth Gallery, Sydney (1982)- Wagga Art Gallery, NSW (1983)- Barry Stern Galleries, Sydney (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989)- Design Warehouse, Melbourne (1985)- Robertsons Interiors, Melbourne (1988)- Harry M Miller, Sydney (1991/2)- Pappoucci Fine Art Galleries, Sydney in conjunction with Madame Rochas Parfum, Paris (1993)- The Sydney Law Courts, Sydney (1993)- Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney - Fund Raising Exhibition (1994)- Grosvenor Place, Sydney (1998)- Richard Martin Art, Sydney - ‘Tropical Visions’ (2006)- Yuill Interiors – “Favourite Things”, Bowral, NSW (2012)- Wentworth Galleries November 2023 Group Exhibitions: - The Arkwright Gallery, London UK (1974)- Barry Stern Galleries, Sydney (1983, 1985, 1987 - twice, 1988, 1990 - twice)- Aptos Cruiz Galleries, Adelaide - ‘Festival of Adelaide’ (1987)- D.C.M. Galleries, Melbourne (1992)- Michael Commerford Gallery, Sydney - ‘Mary Pinnock Magic Picture Show’ sponsored by Philips Electronics (2000)- Art Gallery of New South Wales - The Archibald Prize Exhibition (2002)- Goulburn Regional Art Gallery - The Archibald Prize Exhibition (2002)- Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery - The Archibald Prize Exhibition (2002)- Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne - The Archibald Prize Exhibition (2002/3)- Art Gallery of New South Wales - The Wynne Prize Exhibition (2004)- The Victorian Art Centre - The Wynne Prize Exhibition (2004)- The Milk Factory, Bowral, NSW (2012) Collections & Commissions: Mary's distinguished artwork can be found in numerous collections across Australia, including: - The American Embassy, Canberra- American Express, Sydney- Catalogue ’84 cover commission- The Revlon Collection, Sydney- The Caringbush Collection, Sydney- Chadwick’s Modelling Agency, Sydney- Santay Suisse Pty Ltd, Sydney- The Sydney Film Company, Sydney- The Burroughs/Dobell Collection, Sydney- The Sheraton Mirage Collection, Gold Coast, QLD- Good Morning Australia, TV Set, TEN Network, Sydney- World Expo 1988 Commissioned poster for Cato Designs, Sydney- Qantas Airways, Melbourne - Commissioned for Captain’s Club Lounge- Yellow House Collection, Martin Sharp, Sydney- TNT Corporation, Head Office, Sydney- Trimex Corp of Australia (for Madame Rochas Perfume, Paris)- Singleton Ogilvy Mather Collection, Sydney- Australian Consolidated Express Corporate Art Collection, Sydney- Mirvac Group, Sydney- Sebel Hotel, Sydney- ANZ Bank Collection, Sydney- Simeoni Architecture, Melbourne- Esanda Fleetmasters, Sydney International Collections: - The Bank of America, Paris, France- The Brodribb Collection, Milano, Italy- Olivetti Australia, for Olivetti Corp, Milano, Italy- Ogilvy Mather Collection, USA- Various private collections both in Australia and abroad Academic & Professional Journey: - Studied with Alfred Morris at Wagga Technical College, NSW (1963-65)- Affiliation with Vogue Australia and Vogue, London UK (1971)- Studied at Camden Institute, London UK (1971/2)- Studied at The Royal Academy, London UK (1973)- Member of the Institute of Contemporary Art, London UK (1971/6)- Studies at Alexander Mackie Art Institute, University of NSW, Sydney (1976)- Extensive Interview for Archives of the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne (1986)- Madame Rochas Parfum “Byzance Woman of the Year” Award, which included a 3-month stay in Paris, France (1990)- Established herself as an Independent Artist in Paddington, Sydney, Australia (1995)- Designed “Hall of Fame” for Singleton Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, Sydney (1997)- Finalist for the Archibald Prize with a portrait of Martin Sharp at AGNSW (2003)- Finalist for the Wynne Prize with a depiction of the Southern Highlands Landscape at AGNSW (2004)
Select Archive Works