Life’s Little Pleasures

This exhibition of works by Martial Cosyn and Sumit Ameria is inspired by noticing the little things in nature, friends, family, nostalgic happy moments that touch our hearts. The pictures present an optimistic view of life and one’s existence in this world – little moments that give us the biggest pleasures

Martial is unequivocally, jauntily French – even after almost four decades of living in Australia. His work exhibits all the mores attributed to the French in a dynamic, engaging, wondrous swirl of life well lived. His canvases jump out at you – full of exuberance and literally joie de vivre. He paints of his French heritage and of his decades in Australia. His works portrays sheer enjoyment in a seemingly loose style, but there is much to be discovered by delving into these carefully crafted pieces. They are of places you want to be, have been and would go to again, and characters you have known and liked (or disliked!).

Sumit is from India where he was living a city life in the largely desert State of Rajasthan. He moved to Australia two decades ago to a bungalow in the bush. Here he was stunned by the nature, the cornucopia of plant and bird life that suddenly surrounded him. From a background in illustration, he started drawing Australian native plants, insects and birds, reveling in learning of their behaviors through his close observation. The botanical work is brought to life by making birds and insects equal stars of the show as Sumit is keen to highlight the importance of the smaller creatures in maintaining a robust and healthy planet.

In this exhibition, their sixth collaboration, Sumit and Martial are exploring working in new mediums which include fresco and collage.

All works will be for sale and support the work of the National Trust (NSW).

Exhibition entry is free. Tickets for house and garden tours can be purchased separately for those wishing to get a glimpse inside historic Retford Park and its impressive surrounds.