Balancing artfully on the top of giants, Philippe Le Miere’s composition merges two iconic depictions of children from Australian art history. The first is Charles Blackman’s ‘Children Playing’ (1953), an entry into his revered Schoolgirls series. Dreaming, elusive and fearful, Blackman’s schoolgirls were caught haunting deserted playgrounds, alleyways and streets, shrouded beneath large hats. They were symbols of an innocence made precarious in the wake of war and urbanisation.

The second work referenced by Le Miere is John Brack’s drawing ‘One Balancing Girl’ (1977), part of the Gymnast series. Like Blackman’s Schoolgirls, Brack’s gymnast is captured with a melancholic distance – stripped of identifying features, his athlete arches into an elaborate, laborious and yet senseless contortion.

On a swing, hanging from rings or poised mid-backbend, Le Miere’s mashed-up figures twist our sense of play. For a brief moment, they balance in harmony, saved from the brink of collapse. In merging these symbols, Le Miere explores the dichotomies of modernism: innocence and threat; unity and discord; balance and imbalance. An original painting, ‘Children Balancing’ will enrich collections of modern and contemporary Australian art, a reminder that life is all about balance.

Philippe LE MIERE (1975 - )
'Study for Balancing Children' 2024
acrylic on canvas
Image Size: 51 x 66 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 66 cm
Signed: Signed lower right Le Miere, inscribed verso Philippe Le Miere, title and date
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Excellent.

(c) The Artist or Assignee

This painting is a Study for a Major Work. As part of his creative process, Philippe Le Miere first produces a Study before a larger Major Work; both are original and unique, priced to reflect their different sizes.

This work of art comes unstretched to allow for safe and economical shipping. If you prefer, this painting can be stretched or stretched and framed. Please contact us should you wish to discuss what option suits your needs.