India Mark’s exquisite still life paintings prove that small can be beautiful, and that paintings of simple domestic items can portray a calm majesty that is not often found in larger works. She describes the work as a response to Morandi’s devotion to still life painting, and says it represents the death of small moments of pleasure in our day-to-day lives.

A recent graduate of the National Art School, Mark has had considerable recognition for her figurative work, having been chosen as a finalist in the Archibald Prize twice. Despite the sombre title of the work (morte, meaning dead), the painterly brushwork on these glowing teacups draws the viewer into a contemplative space which resonates so perfectly with the theme of stillness.

Image: India Mark, Morte iii (two teacups), 2015, oil on canvas, 25.5cm x 30.5 cm, National Art School Collection © the artist