Wakelin, Roland

Roland Wakelin was born in New Zealand in 1887 and died in Sydney 1971.

Together with Grace Cossington Smith and Roy de Maistre, helped establish the 'Modern Movement' in Sydney.

In 1910 he came to Sydney and studied under Dattilo Rubbo.

Whilst working at the commercial art firm Sydney Ure Smith and Harry Julius, Wakelin met Roy de Maistre and Lloyd Rees. Two years later shared an exhibition with de Maistre called 'Synchronies' (colour related to music).

Wakelin's work showed an increasing interest in Cezanne. His early painting was influenced by the French Impressionists. However Rubbo's virile personality and enthusiasm inspired his interest in Modern Art. This was consolidated in 1922 when he left for Europe.

The Modernists – Wakelin, Cossington-Smith, de Maistre, Margaret Preston, Thea Proctor and George Lambert exhibited together at the Grosvenor Galleries despite local criticism and the Contemporary Group was formed.

Although he began his painting career closely studying the Post-Impressionist painters, Wakelin developed a decorative romantic style more in tune with his own inclinations and with the directions of art between the wars.