Partners in paint

Published 2005

Weekly Life

Out of the tragedy of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York came a return to more simplistic, positive art styles which rubbed off on Australian painters Marc and Gillie Schattner. Several years in the US also cemented the pop art movement as a strong influence on their work, mainly interpretative images representing feelings rather than specific individuals. But the biggest changes were wrought by their return to Sydney. Despite sharing the same studio and exhibitions for more than a decade, the Archibald Prize finalists started competing for top bidding as the household’s most successful artist. Healthy rivalry soon transformed into a frustrating cycle of elation and disappointment, until after three years of bittersweet congratulations over the latest artistic win they had had enough.