Neil Ernest Tomkins
Sydney Based Painter

My aim is to connect with place, to find the spaces of stillness within the motions of the everyday. Within this framework the process and consideration of movement becomes paramount in the development of new work and evolving ideas. I would consider many of the direct references to landscape to be an exploration of how we as individuals visually intersect with world around us. The representation of the landscape becomes both a record keeping process as well as an internal journey of visual mimesis.

Often breaking down the subject matter into fragments, my work alludes to a connection through displacement. I represent a re-emergence of the travel painter- a deep seeking into the unknown expressed with a joyous appreciation. It is through discovering new space that my work can grow and emerge.

Over the last few years, I have been focused on the dissected landscape. Through connection and interpretation of space my work develops on the idea of spatial understanding and interpretation. The work is created using representational ideals of landscape layered into a collaged form derived from on scene images captured then digested into structural forms to be resembled based on color, space and composition. Thus, creating an interpretive approach which encourages the audience to be an active participant.

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If you would like to contact Neil for commission based work, murals or general sales & inquiries, contact: neilernestomkins@gmail.com

Collections

Neil Tomkins work is held in Private collections Nationally in NSW, VIC, QLD & TAS and Internationally in USA, MX, PT, FR, DE, MN & IN.

Residencies
2025 Albers Foundation Ireland IR

2018           Milton Post Office Residency                       NSW

2018           Raizvanguarda Artist Residency Góis              PT

2018           Unconformity Festival Residency                   TAS

2017           Q Bank Artists Residency Queenstown           TAS

2015           El Ray Private Residency Mazunte                MX

Engagements

Community-based artistic workshops created around drawing, painting, and private tutelage. Created in collaboration with the community and based on youth empowerment and art therapy.