Louise Gresswell’s work comprises of non- representational painting on board. Through a painting practice Gresswell imbues the work with subjective readings as she explores concepts of vulnerability and protection. Central to Gresswell’s work is the materiality of paint and surface as she investigates deeply personal histories and transfers that which is felt from hand to surface. The action of manipulating oil paint, the building up and covering of layers over time becomes a metaphor for the past. Sensory narratives are created through textured and rich surfaces with evidence of touch.

The use of cutting, reassembling and suturing evokesvulnerability but also signifies a metaphor for defiance. Throughsubverting the tradition of painting and embracing imperfection, the paintings speak about wholeness and fragmentation, creating ‘fractured icons’.

After studying a BA (hons) in Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art (London), Gresswell went on to complete her Master of Fine Art studies, with Distinction, from RMIT, Melbourne (2017). During her time there she was awarded the School of Art International Studio Residency at Sangmyung University Gallery, South Korea, and the Golden Key international Honour Award.  

Louise Gresswell lives in Melbourne and holds and has completed a Master of Fine Art, (Distinction), from RMIT. Gresswell’s recent exhibitons comprise of solo shows at  Gallery 9 and group exhibitions at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair,  MONA FOMA,   Melbourne Art Fair, Galerie Pompom, Gallery 9,  Auckland Art Fair, Rubicon, Five Walls, Arts Project and Spring1883.  Gresswell won the Waverley Art Prize (oil painting) 2021 and has been selected as a finalist in the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize,  Darebin Art Prize, Fisher’s Ghost Award, the Bayside Acquisitive Art Prize (2018, 2023), Churchie National Art Prize, Gosford Art Prize and the Geelong Contemporary Art Prize