Eliza Gosse explores life through the lens of architecture – specifically the clean, simple lines of post-war and mid-century design. Drawn to forms produced decades before she herself was born, Gosse creates paired back images that are not so much a depiction as an evocation of an era or place, or the people who may once have lived there. Sleek, stylised, and given quirky titles snatched from pop culture, her work is enhanced by a muted colour palette that bathes each scene in nostalgia and encourages viewers to imagine what memories might be held within the walls.
Most recently, Gosse has been compelled to paint outdoor spaces and clear pools of water, a response to being cooped up during the pandemic fog of the last year. Lighter and airier, they forgo the air of mystery for a refreshing sense of freedom, rejuvenation and welcome; a glimpse of a perfect day not too far away.
Eliza Gosse is an alumna of the National Art School, Sydney, graduating a Master of Fine Art in 2019. A multiple award recipient, she has won the Mosman Alan Gamble Award (2022); the National Art School and Parkers Sydney Fine Art Award (2019); the William Fletcher Grant for Emerging Artists (2018); the John Olsen Drawing Prize, National Art School (2017); the People’s Choice Award, Waverley Art Prize (2017); and the People’s Choice Award, Chippendale World Art Residency (2017). Gosse has also been a Finalist in the Archibald Prize (2022); Wynne Prize (2020); Salon des Refusés at S.H Ervin (2022); Mosman Art Prize (2022, 2020, 2017); Paddington Art Prize (2021); Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize (2020, 2019, 2018); Waverley Woollahra Art Prize (2019, 2018); Little Things Art Prize (2018, 2017); and the Lloyd Rees Memorial Art Award (2017). Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows throughout Australia, and is held in public art collections such as the National Art School (NAS) Sydney, and the Sydney Children’s Hospital.