FIONNA MADIGAN | solo show by Australian painter | 9 October - 26 October 2025

cuRator’s introduction

“I first met Fionna in early 2017 when I was working with Nonie Bettoni presenting group exhibitions under our business Exhibiting Artists’ Melbourne. Fionna applied for our themed group show, titled ‘Meeting of Two Worlds’ showing at Sandringham Library; with two small works in her signature style. Immediately upon seeing these works I was captivated:

  Was I seeing a landscape, a cropped detail of bushland, an abstracted work that was gloriously in harmony with the Australian eco-system?

This was art that I wanted to see more of, to create context in what I was experiencing.The next time I met Fionna was later in 2017, at the Linden New Art ‘Postcard Show’. Once again, she had a small work that raised the same questions in my mind; however this time I was convinced I was viewing the Australian outback:

  …on a bush trail, looking intriguingly across a beautiful body of water, reflections in the dusty water swept across the panel surface with the richness of a perfected   use of medium and texture.

I was keen to speak with Fionna and learn more of what she painted, and her intentions in sharing a vision with her audience… In her beautifully crafted humble persona, Fionna chuckled with an expression - in the essence of:

  “Oh, is that what you see?”

Again, I was left wondering if we saw the same scene in her captivating paintings.

My story continues in 2019…

I took my fellow artist friend, now gallery assistant, Von Davenport to (Clifton Pugh’s) Dunmoochin Art Studios to see Fionna Madigan’s studio home, and her new body of artworks.

These works were larger cold wax medium pieces on primed panels; and it was here that I confirmed my earlier suspicions. Fionna Madigan was an artist in the bushland, creating works that reflected the feeling only identified with being in the middle of the Australian temperate landscape: you can feel the texture, subconsciously understand the layering of light, and delight in the floral colourings of dawn, day and dusk.

As much as I romanticised about owning one of her reflected water artworks, it was a golden wattle-inspired piece that I reserved for purchase.

  Once again, I asked dear Fionna “Is that a golden leaf there?”

  And was met with her delightful response

  “Oh, is that what you see?”

Yes, I own a piece by Fionna Madigan.

I believe in her as an artist, a purveyor of the Victorian landscape’s light and texture. Her insistent creation of new beautifully articulated artwork cements a continuing career. My acacia work hangs on my living room wall, admired by all that walk into my home. Even before I owned one, I recommended to everyone (who asked me about purchasing an artwork) that they view the available works by Fionna Madigan.

I am so proud to present, in 2025, ‘Illume’ – a solo show by Fionna Madigan at my CnG Art Gallery in Brighton’s Martin Street Village.

Purchases are highly recommended.

~ Caelene nee Glen, October 2025

2025 exhibition preview

• Caelene nee Glen ‘new works’ & Stockroom exhibition | 30 October - 16 November 2025

• Victoria Floratos presented by NINA & PEQUITO | solo show by Australian fine artist | POSTPONED TO EARLY 2026

• Summer Small Works Show & Prize 2025 | 20 November 2025 - 5 January 2026 || THEME: ‘Under the Surface’

Sign up to the mailing list to be invited to the free events schedule. Artists’ applications open, see ‘apply’ for further details

2026 exhibition preview

• ELEMENTALS 2026 | EARTH : METAL : AIR : WATER : FIRE

• THREADED 2026 | Joanna Thomas

• DUO VOICE 2026 | Santiago Mals & Yoony Yoony

• SOLO 2026 | Victoria Floratos presented by NINA & PEQUITO

EMERGING, mid-career & ESTABLISHED ARTISTS’

• solo shows

• duo-voice shows

• ‘elemental’ bodies of work

• guest curators

• art collectives

Artists’ & Representatives’ applications currently open for 2026 program, see ‘apply’ for further details.