From Humble to Huge

New exhibition by artist Wayne Brookes

From Humble to Huge by contemporary Tasmanian artist Wayne Brookes reveals a fascination with art history, the domestic scene and fabulous objects in a Tasmanian context.

A new free exhibition at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts is now showing until late February 2025. From Humble to Huge by contemporary Tasmanian painter and visual artist Wayne Brookes explores ornament and interiors through intricate paintings in acrylics. From the humble objects in his own home, to the decorative displays of historic houses, Wayne Brookes explores the essence of taste.

Tasmanians will be familiar with the colonial settings of Clarendon, Entally and Woolmers in Northern Tasmania, and Government House in the South. Wayne Brooks views the colonial artworks and bold characters from Tasmanian art history with a playful eye and this is reflected in the artwork titles, such as All That Glitters is Not Gould, Knut Bull in a China Shop and The Glover Box.

“I am fundamentally a portraitist. We surround ourselves with the objects we choose to decorate and enhance our lives and our space… An individual’s portrait is… not your face, it’s not your body, it’s not even physical – it is your taste.”

– Wayne Brookes
Wayne Brookes is represented by Despard Gallery.

Free exhibition


14 October 2024 – 28 February 2025

Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts
Ground Floor, 91 Murray Street,
Hobart Tasmania


  • Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
  • Closed Sunday and public holidays

NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED


a detailed painting of crockery in a box
Wayne Brookes – The Glover Box 2024 acrylic on canvas [56x71cm]