‘Devotions’ is the debut solo exhibition of Melbourne realist artist Lucy Roleff, comprising a series of 18 paintings that elevate everyday objects and motifs into an almost magical realm.

Painted alla prima style (‘wet-on-wet’) – these works evoke a distinct sense of tradition in their illusory realism, whilst the artist’s subject matter offers subtle hints of contemporary

origins: a half-finished tube of hand cream here, a pair of glimmering golden hoop earrings there.

The title of this show comes from the meticulous still life arrangements depicted, each composed almost like a shrine or altar, and the ways that deep emotional connection can be felt for everyday objects assembled ‘just so’.

Red Carnation and Cutting

Athena's Morning

Morning Pause

Ariadne in the Evening

Breakfast Table

Little Cup and Carnations

Deep Afternoon

Black Hill Dandelions

Ornament

'I am very drawn to works that portray or invite a sense of ‘longing’, or a sense of striving for something a bit ‘elsewhere'.

Big Harvest

Green Ribbon and Sprig

Shell, Chain and Sleepers

Tin Cup and Vessel

Autumn Pastoral

Overflowing

Milk Jug and Butter

'I’m always trying to find a certain balance between an arrangement that is directly relatable, and an arrangement that seems to point to something a bit grander, maybe otherworldly.'  

Winter Pastoral

Air Plant and Glass Bottle