Vale Robyn McKinnon ― 1953 – 2024

It is with deep sadness we acknowledge the passing of one of our beloved artists, Robyn McKinnon.

Robyn was an artist who painted from the front room of her house in Launceston and art was her life. Everything revolved around this.

I was introduced to her work in the early 2000s when I first took over Handmark Gallery and in 2007 asked to represent her as part of the Handmark stable.

Robyn could paint anything and indeed did and had great fun doing so.

Many will remember her canvases covered in little houses, each unique.

Also very interested in our environment and political debate, I have fond memories of enjoying one of Robyn’s signature “miniature house” paintings with log trucks lining the streets.

Her work, Mrs Vermeer’s Kitchen was collected by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, a very special piece, where the “tiny houses” were substituted with kitchen utensils. This work was chosen by international curators to feature in ‘Theatre of the World’, MONA’s opening exhibition, and hung prominently in the first gallery for everyone to admire.

Robyn was also given a Survey Exhibition at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in 2018 where her eminent career was celebrated.

All of Robyn’s work brought joy and wonder to many, and her many paintings of abundant flower gardens were deeply coveted for their detail, colour and beauty.

Robyn, thank you for being a friend and a much-admired artist.

Allanah Dopson
Director

Artwork detail: Paradise, 2020, Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 90 cm