Anne Hall was part of the Heide circle – an iconic group of artists who included Charles Blackman, Sidney Nolan and Hall’s husband, John Perceval. Like these artists, Hall pursued Figurative Expressionism, bringing with it her own unique ability to incise her subject’s soul.

In ‘Rebirth’, she draws a figure in evolution. Intriguingly ambiguous, their face is pared back to two small and unsettled eyes. Colour blossoms across their torso – oranges give way to red, blue and violet, bleeding from the heart to the face. It is as though a fire burns within the rib cage, or perhaps they are emerging from a cocoon, shedding their exoskeleton to take a new form. Hall leaves it unclear, provoking the idea of new beginnings and allowing the viewer to make their own meaning of the clouds’ shapes.

Like Joy Hester and Mirka Mora, Hall forged a compelling female voice in an otherwise male dominated space. That her career was at times overshadowed by her marriage is a testament to Modernism’s issues with gender parity. Now, collected by The National Gallery of Australia, the Ian Potter Museum and Geelong Gallery, her absence is being redressed.

For collectors of Modernist Australian art and those searching for a unique insight into the Antipodean movement, Hall is a rewarding find. While the road ahead may be uncharted, ‘Rebirth’ forecasts open skies.
 

Anne Marie HALL (1945 - )
'Rebirth' 1966
pastel on paper
Image Size: 75 x 54 cm
Dimensions: 91 x 71 x 3 cm
Signed: Anne Hall and dated 66
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art’s image As New, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear. There are no tears to paper margin. Image is in Fine condition.
 
© The Artist or Assignee