Peter D. Cole ranks as one of Australia's senior and most renowned contemporary sculptors. Graphic, minimalist and refined, his uncompromising aesthetic vision encompasses both large-scale structures, aerial works, and more intimate, witty ruminations.

An accomplished water-colourist and draughtsman, Cole's vision translates easily into works on paper, valued by collectors for the insight they provide into his practice. Cole's robust materials- brass, bronze, painted steel and aluminium- vibrant colours and precise shapes articulate spatial, intellectual, and philosophical concepts. He is also interested in the notion of 'diagrammatic' landscapes, ones that express the transition between the flat plains of the Australian bush, and a more city-centric urban cacophony. Cole's work observes and recognises the boundaries of modern life without limiting its scale, or its scope.

Cole is the recipient of the Australian National Trust Heritage Award (1996), the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture Award of Merit (1995), and is highly sought for commissions. His work is prominent in many public and corporate collections throughout Australia, including Parliament House, Canberra, the National Gallery of Australia, and Brisbane International Airport.

Inga Walton, December, 2008

Photo: Oliver Cole