Roland Shakespeare Wakelin (1887-1971)

In 1918 Wakelin began to paint landscapes and still lifes in high-keyed colour with form and perspective greatly reduced and simplified. Along with Roy de Maistre the two artists exhibited their 'Synchromy' or colour-music paintings, the first abstract paintings produced in Australia, at Gayfield Shaw's Art Salon in Sydney in August 1919. Wakelin's experimental paintings from this period are the most striking of his career.

'They hit, they attract; they are beautiful patterns and they "carry". No matter how brilliant each seems it is played harmoniously.' (Telegraph, 1919)