WHO do you see in this painting?
When Sydney artist Martin Shaw painted Three Well Known Australians 40 years ago, there was no predicting the intrigue and fascination that would be sparked by the unusual travelling work of art.
The mysterious artwork features; a headless blue person, a seated or squatting red figure and a green character holding an umbrella against a bright yellow background.
Three Well Known Australians began its national tour in 1983, inviting viewers across the country to guess the identity of the figures and record their opinions into yearbooks.
It’s now being shown at Robinvale Community and Learning Hub until Wednesday, March 12 as part of a touring exhibition.
“It has inspired a guessing game that has captivated audiences across Australia for generations,” said Swan Hill Regional Libraries manager Camille Cullinan.
“This piece of art has taken on a life of its own, creating mystery and intrigue that spans decades.”
Ms Cullinan said this was the second time the Swan Hill region has hosted this exhibition, which has provided social commentary relevant to the era in which people made their guesses.
“It generated a lot of interest,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to give the Robinvale community the opportunity to guess the identities of the figures in this mysterious artwork.”
In addition to the artwork, the exhibition includes yearbooks filled with people’s interpretations over the years, as well as letters from politicians, athletes, and other well-known figures who have shared their thoughts on the identities of the Three Well Known Australians.
“We have carefully curated the letters and yearbooks to include the items that will be of most interest,” Ms Cullinan said.
“We encourage everyone to visit the Robinvale Community and Learning Hub during the upcoming exhibition and explore the captivating mystery and creativity of Martin Shaw’s Three Well Known Australians for themselves.”
The exhibition is free and open to all ages.
