Exhibition will be a first and last for artist
TERMINALLY ill artist Francis Highsted will fulfil a longheld dream and display a collection of his life’s works in his local community of Anakie this weekend.
Mr Highsted’s works were exhibited earlier throughout his life in galleries in his native London as well as in South Yarra, but Retrospective will be his first exhibition in the region — the last in his lifetime.
Having originally trained at an art school in London, before travelling the world and working various jobs all over Australia, Mr Highsted eventually settled in Anakie, moving from Melbourne shortly after meeting his wife Olga.
The 72-year-old, who has been given weeks to live, said his vast collection of works is the result of his commitment to painting every day. His style has evolved over time as he discovered he preferred working with acrylic paint, meaning the brushstrokes dry faster, giving him more time to paint.
“I used to work with oil, but I’m too inpatient,” Mr Highsted said.
“I describe my style as expressionism. I don’t do landscapes, I will often just paint what comes out of my mind.
“I take inspiration from the Austrian artist Egon Schiele.”
Retrospective will be held in the recently renovated space at Basil’s Church at 3210 Ballan Rd.
Retrospective will officially open at a celebratory event this Friday between 7pm and 9pm, which Francis and Olga hope to attend.
The exhibition and painting sales will then be open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.