Jeffrey Smart

'Key to Smart’s approach is that his subjects are suggestive realms in which the characters and signposts are jumping-off points for the viewer. His imagery was directly informed by a range of sources: poetry, philosophy, literature and art history, and chance encounters with real and uncanny imagery in the modern world,’ writes exhibition co-curator, Deborah Hart.

Look closely at this painting. What do you notice? Focus on the sky. How would you describe it? Now look at the horizon. Does it give you a clue to the location?

What would you like to ask the artist about this painting?

Listen to the sound work by YL Hooi. Do any of the sounds remind you of shapes or textures in the painting?

Play the sound work again. As you listen, write a stream of consciousness story using Jacob descending as a starting point.

Find a piece of poetry that interests you. Create a drawing that responds to this poem.

You can find the work of many Australian poets at Red Room Poetry. (See link below.)