Leslie DUMBRELL (14 October 1941 - ) Born Melbourne, Victoria Leslie Dumbrell was a pioneer of geometric abstraction in Australia. After completing a Diploma of Art (Painting) at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne in 1962, Leslie Dumbrell adopted the international style of colour field and hard-edged abstraction. She taught alongside Peter Booth, James Doolin and Alun Leech-Jones at RMIT and Prahran College of Advanced Education. In 1966 Dumbrell was appointed to the Prahran College of Advanced Education teacing with Alan Leach-Jones and Jim Doolin. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Geometric AbstractionA large painted canvas with precise, brightly coloured geometric patterns on a black background. Dumbrell uses colour and line to create optical effects which often convey the illusion of movement. art, artwork, dumbrell, hard-edged abstraction, colour field, leslie dumbrell

George JOHNSON (18 August 1926- ) Born Nelson, New Zealand Arrived Australia 1953 George Johnson's formalised abstractions usually feature a pattern of small related geometrical shapes which give life, luminosity and fluidity to forms which might be mechanical and lifeless. Later his forms become become much larger and more architonic. The work of George Johnson debuted at the Herald Outdoor Art Show in 1953. The George Johnson Mural was commissioned by the Ballarat Teachers' College Students' Representative Council in 1965. It was purchased with funds raised by staff and students. At the unveiling of this work at the Ballarat Teachers' College Johnson's work was described at belonging to the "Hard Edged" school of abstract painters who had set themselves far above the mass of abstract painters by the vitality and artistic ability displayed in their work. Of the work John JOhnson said "We are all part of life and are growing and developing in many different ways, the process of development is often taking place without us even being aware of it. In my painting the embryo shapes appear and grow. I have tried to make the mural symbolic of life and growth. I do not thank that anything has been left to chance in the mural. Everything is working, and, I feel, working well. It has balance and harmony - and perhaps discord, as does life - one malfunction or imbalance throws everything out." This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.A painted mural in three panels, including hession collage. art, artwork, george johnson, johnson, ballarat teachers' college art collection, mural, hard edged