Described as a volatile and rebellious character, Jon Molvig was definitely not the textbook definition of an artist, but then again, Jon never cared too much for textbook definitions. Having spent the greater part of his productive life in Brisbane where he dominated the art scene in the late 1960s, Jon was a charismatic teacher whose uncompromising commitment to painting inspired young artists. Brisbane was the catalyst for his major work, providing him with scope for his expressionist view of the world.

The extraordinary work of Jon Molvig will be celebrated at QAG Gallery 4 from September 14 to February 2. Accompanying the exhibition, the first substantial publication on Jon Molvig for three decades, will feature new scholarship on Molvig’s unique contribution to Australian art. The publication is supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation.

Image 1: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / A twilight of women 1957 / Oil on hardboard / 137.2 x 148.6cm / Purchased 1984 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Image 2: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / Blue nude 1959 / Oil on composition board / 76.8 x 101.3cm / Purchased 1980 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Image 3: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / The cattle grid 1958 / Oil on composition board / 45.8 x 59cm / Bequest of Errol Blair de Normanville Joyce OBE 1983 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Image 4: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / Burnt landscape no.1 (After the fire) 1953 / Oil on cardboard / 59.5 x 76cm / Purchased 2008 with funds raised through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation Appeal / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Image 5: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / Bathing huts 1950 / Watercolour on paper / 69.8 x 100.3cm / Gift of Ray Hughes through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2016. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Image 6: Jon Molvig Australia, 1923-1970 / Carnival motif c.1952 / Oil on board / 67.1 x 100.7cm / Purchased 2016 with funds from the Estate of Betty Quelhurst through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art