Bio
Llael McDonald's work is moody and nostalgic. with underlying narratives that change from viewer to viewer. Delving into the familiar and bringing forward the ordinary to be presented to an audience with emotional and visual elevation. Llael aims to ignite conversations about our collective history, the diversity of culinary traditions, and the integral role of food in shaping contemporary society. Her work serves as a visual feast, stimulating the viewer's senses and intellect. It prompts us to recognise and appreciate the influences that have contributed to the development of civilisation, urging us to celebrate the power of food as a unifying force and a testament to our shared human experience.
History
Llael McDonald grew up in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Spotswood and showed and early propensity toward the visual arts, particularly painting, which set her on the path as a professional artist at a young age. In her tertiary years Llael attended ICAD (independent college of Art and Design) situated in the creative and high energy hub of Chapel Street Melbourne. She studied painting under artist Terri Matassonni and graduated with one of the top portfolios in 1996.
Selected Exhibitions
101 Collins in the CBD of Melbourne (1995),
The ICAD Galleries in Prahran, Melbourne (1993 to 1996)
The Cherry Tree Restaurant in Prahran, Melbourne (1996).
Pantechnicon Gallery in Daylesford in Joint exhibitions (2003)
The Melbourne Art Fair (2004)
Pantechnicon gallery “Studies in Light, solo show. (2005)
Pivotal Galleries in Richmond (2004 to 2005).
The Substation Newport (2007-2009)
Solo Show Arthouse Ink Gallery. (2011)
Group Exhibition Arthouse Ink Galleries, Yarraville. (2011)
Blue Raincoat Spotswood (2012)
The Black Dog Footscray (2012)
Fawn Gallery Collingwood (2013)
Solo Show, Catherine Abel Galleries (2014)
Solo Show, Cosmopolitan Trentham (2015)
Solo show, Cosmopolitan Hotel Trentham (2019)
The Banquet, group exhibition Weswall Gallery, Tamworth NSW 2021.
Sydney Affordable Art Fair 2022
Melbourne Affordable Art Fair 2022
Micheal Read Sydney and Le Cornue Australia exhibition 2022
Solo show “ Sumptuous” Sketch Co Gallery 2023
Sydney affordable art Fair 2023
Solo show, “Plenty” Sketch Co gallery 2023
“A Dozen Eggs” solo show, Berdoulat Bath UK. 2024
“Delices” Solo show Compendium Gallery, Melbourne 2024
Selected works, Han Feng Art space NYC NY. 2024
“Savour” Solo Show, Michael Reid Southern Highlands, NSW 2024
Galleries
Michael Reid Norther Beaches , Sydney
Michael Reid Southern Highlands NSW
The Toowoomba Gallery, QLD
Han Feng art Space New York, New York
Compendium Gallery, Melbourne
Art to Art Gallery, Melbourne
Among the Pines Galley, UK
Awards
Finalist in the Lethbridge Small Scale Art Prize 2014
Finalist in Bluethumb Art Prize 2017
Highly Commended Trentham Easter Art Show 2017 and 2019
Finalist in the Lethbridge Scale Art Prize 2022
Winner of the Curators Still life prize Tacit Gallery Melbourne 2022
Winner of the Peoples Choice award Still life art prize Tacit Gallery 2023
Finalist in National Emerging Art Prize 2023