Jo Wheeler

The Edge: Outback to Ocean

26 February - 09 March 2025

G1

Opening Night

Friday 28 February | 6 - 8 pm

The vastness of the Australian landscape is both humbling and deeply inspiring. In this body of work, Jo explores the contrasts between two environments that have profoundly shaped her artistic journey: the raw, elemental power of the ocean and the timeless, rugged beauty of the outback.

Jo’s seascapes reflect the rhythms of the Surf Coast, where she lives. Each brushstroke captures the energy of crashing waves, the shifting light on sand, and the ephemeral nature of clouds drifting across the horizon. She is drawn to the ever-changing shape of sea foam as it dances along the shore, a fleeting reminder of the ocean’s constant motion. These dynamic moments are balanced by the rare, tranquil calmness of the sea, where its peacefulness draws the viewer in and invites a deep sense of stillness.

In contrast, Jo’s outback landscapes draw upon the ancient, enduring presence and vastness of Far North Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. The earthy red and ochre tones embody the soul of the land, its resilience, and its spiritual depth. Through these works, she evokes a sense of connection to the expansive, open spaces that seem to stretch beyond the horizon, untouched and eternal, capturing the immense scale and timeless nature of the outback.

This exhibition is a meditation on place—on the way landscape shapes identity and emotion. Each piece serves as a dialogue between nature and memory, inviting the viewer to pause and experience the ever-changing calmness and peaceful beauty of the places Jo is privileged to call home.

Artist Bio

Jo Wheeler is a passionate oil painter known for her vivid depictions of Australia's natural landscapes. Living on the Surf Coast in Victoria, she finds inspiration for her seascapes in the region’s rugged coastline, capturing waves, surf, sand, and clouds with striking realism. Her outback landscapes draw
from her travels through Far North Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, blending rich red and ochre tones that convey the vastness and warmth of the Australian interior.

Using oil on canvas, Jo masterfully portrays the raw beauty of nature, inviting viewers to experience the diversity and grandeur of Australia’s iconic terrains.

Jo’s artistic achievements include being a 2024 Paddington Art Prize finalist. She has held solo exhibitions at Kindred Galleries, Brunswick Street Gallery, and, most recently, Red Gallery. Her dedication to portraying the beauty and spirit of Australia's landscapes continues to inspire and captivate audiences.

Contact
Phone : (03) 9482 3550
mail@redgallery.com.au

Address
157 St Georges Rd
Fitzroy North, Victoria, 3068
Map

How to get here
Tram: Route 11
Stop 21 just north of Edinburgh Gardens

Melway Ref: 30B12
Parking in nearby streets

Bus: 504 (Reid Street)