Biography.

Ashton Wastney is a Nelson, New Zealand born, Melbourne based painter working primarily in oil. His intuitive practice explores the subconscious through instinctive mark making and anatomically derived forms that shift between figuration and abstraction. Beginning without premeditation, his paintings evolve through chance, fragmentation and emotional response, reflecting tensions between physical form and psychological experience.

Ashton has presented solo exhibitions and exhibited widely in group shows across Australia and New Zealand. He has also been recognised in several Australian art prizes, with works held in private collections internationally.

exhibitions.

  • The Counihan gallery, Melbourne - November, 2022

    ‘Fig. 42’ was exhibited as part of the Merri-bek summer show.

  • FORTY FIVE DOWNSTAIRS, MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER - 2022

    Exhibited ‘Fig. 40’, as a finalist in the 2022 Emerging Artist Award.

  • NEW ZEALAND PORTRAIT GALLERY TOUR, NEW ZEALAND, AUGUST, 2022 - 2023

    ‘Fig. 39’ has been shortlisted in the New Zealand touring exhibition of the 2022 Adam portraiture award.

  • PLATFORM EXHIBITIONS, MELBOURNE, JUNE - 2022

    Exhibited ‘Fig. 37’, and multiple large and small scale drawings.

  • New zealand portrait gallery, new zealand - May, 2022

    ‘Fig. 39’ is one of 45 artworks exhibited in the 2022 Adam portraiture award.

  • Brunswick street gallery, melbourne - january, 2022

    ‘Fig. 36’ and a selection of drawings were exhibited as part of the Small works art prize.

  • Happy days pop-up, melbourne - december, 2021

    Exhibited ‘Fig. 32’, ‘Fig. 33’, ‘Fig. 35’ and multiple drawings.

  • The Counihan gallery, Melbourne - october, 2021

    ‘Fig. 35’ was exhibited as part of the Merri-bek summer show.

  • Brunswick street gallery, melbourne - june 2021

    ‘Fig. 29’ and ‘Fig. 32’ were exhibited as part of the Fifty Squared art prize.