PETER GILES

PROJECT ROOM

Exhibition dates : 22 September - 4 October 2026
Opening reception : Wed 23 September 2026, 6:00 - 8:30pm

The Life of Still Life

Still life has long been regarded as a study of ordinary objects. For me, it is a way of exploring memory, light, history and the quiet stories carried by the things we choose to keep. Each painting begins with observation but develops into something beyond description. A piece of embroidered linen, a weathered skull, a loaf of bread or a simple vase becomes a vehicle for ideas about heritage, mortality, family, craftsmanship and the enduring value of art.

Technical exploration is equally important. I am fascinated by the behaviour of paint itself—its ability to describe light, texture and atmosphere while remaining a physical material in its own right. Whether working in realism or allowing abstraction to emerge beneath the surface, I seek paintings that reward prolonged looking. These works trace a journey of curiosity, where everyday objects become lasting reflections on the human experience.
  "My hope is that these paintings encourage viewers to pause long enough to discover that the ordinary is rarely ordinary."  

Peter Giles is a Melbourne-based Australian artist whose practice focuses on traditional still-life painting. His work explores memory, history and the quiet stories held within everyday objects. Through careful observation, rich colour and attention to light, texture and detail, Giles transforms familiar subjects into thoughtful and atmospheric compositions. His paintings celebrate the beauty of the ordinary while reflecting on the stories and experiences objects can carry.