Jeffery Smart

‘As Smart’s visual language evolved, a striking theatricality became increasingly apparent with a dynamic interplay between the real and the absurd or uncanny,’ writes exhibition curator Deborah Hart.

The stilt race conveys dream-like possibilities within the real world. The cropping of the image gives the sense of a moment in time; a glimpse into a world we can only see part of.

Count the figures in this painting. Look at what they are doing and where they are placed. What are you curious about?

Notice how Smart has arranged the composition. How has the artist used line, shape and colour to draw our attention and direct us through the work?

What do you notice about the landscape the artist has created? Imagine you are part of this painting, moving through this landscape. How might you feel?

Shaun Tan is a contemporary illustrator and storyteller, who is similarly inspired by the inner city and suburbia. (See link below.) Compare the work of Tan with that of Jeffrey Smart. What similarities and differences do you notice? Think about how these two artists create landscapes, depict figures and use colour and shape in their work.

Create a three-dimensional stilt walker and scene.

Make a figure out of two pipe cleaners. (See link below).

Attach the feet to the end of two bamboo skewers. Use coloured wool or ribbon wound around the skewers to create colourful stilts (and hold the pipe cleaners in place).

Create a base and backboard from thick cardboard, painting an unexpected scene for your stilt walkers to inhabit. You might do this in groups in your class.

Stand your figures up, pushing the pointy ends of the skewers into the cardboard.