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Marieka Hambledon

Visual artist

Marieka Hambledon is an Adelaide based oil painter who creates emotionally charged figurative paintings that explore what it means to be human. A former graphic designer, in 2020, Marieka Hambledon was named by Bluethumb Art Gallery “as one of Australia’s most collectable artists.” 

Her fascination with stories and individual character, along with deep empathy for other people began at an early age influenced by parents who were actors and counselors. 

Hambledon is a nine-time Australian national art prize finalist including the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize; The Southern Buoy Studio Portrait Prize,; The Kennedy Art Prize and the Smallacombe Portrait Prize. 

Hambledon has participated in several group exhibitions throughout Australia and has exhibited in the USA, including:  Southern Buoy Studios Gallery, VIC, Australia; Hahndorf Academy of Art, SA, Australia; Sarracenia Gallery, CA, USA;  Bluethumb Art Gallery, SA, Australia;  Royal Society of Arts, SA, Australia and Gallery One Mitcham SA, Australia.  Her first solo show was with the Prospect Art Walk, SA, Australia.

Hambledon’s public artwork includes a 7ft crate featuring Australian Cricket players that  was prominently displayed in front of Adelaide’s City Center, Australia,  Summer 2022-2023.  

Discover more at @artist_Marieka.Hambledon

Artist Statement

I am an oil painter that explores what it means to be human through figurative painting on canvas. I aim to capture our multi-layered complexity: body, mind and soul through different techniques.

My faces and bodies are primarily hyperrealistic. The mind is represented through more abstracted marks, energetic movements or softer brushstrokes. Finally the soul is captured through my colour palette which sets the feeling and emotion of the piece. 

I use optical blending throughout my work. This is an effect that allows your eye to separate colours when viewed closely. Further away the colors blend seamlessly. I feel this encourages intimacy and reflection. A desire to look closely, and also look from a distance to gain a clearer picture. 

To arrive at my narrative theme, I ask my sitters to share their greatest inner struggle or  celebration. Together, we workshop this through expressions and movements. 

Each painting represents the connection between me and my sitter as I embrace and capture their inner world.

Contact Information
Exhibitions

2022 Adelaide Hills Landscape Art Prize, Hahndorf Academy, Main Street Hahndorf

2021 DOT DOT DOT Sarracenia Gallery,  Huntington Park, CA, USA

2021 Southern Buoy Portrait Prize Exhibition

2021 Solo Exhibition, Prospect Art Walk, Prospect, SA, 5082

2020 Solo Exhibition, STACE, 273 Wakefield Street, Adelaide, SA, 5000

2019 Kennedy Art Prize, 1st Floor, corner North Tce & Kintore Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000.

2017 About Face, SALA Festival, 31 Waymouth Street Adelaide, SA, 5000

Awards

2023 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize

2023 Finalist, Smallacombe Portrait Prize

2022 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize

2022 City of Charles Sturt Creative Cities Grant

2021 Finalist, Adelaide Hills Landscape Art Prize

2021 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize

2021 Finalist, Southern Buoy Studios Portrait Prize

2020 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Prize

2020 Australian Cultural Fund Grant

2019 Semi-Finalist Doug Moran National Portrait Prize

2019 Finalist, Kennedy Art Prize

Artist’s Work