Tess Dawson is a Naarm/Melbourne-based artist whose work explores the quiet undercurrents of the everyday. Her work has been recognised through multiple awards and exhibitions, and is held in both private and public collections.
Influenced by a love of architecture, photography, and the curiousities of everyday life, Dawson uses light, colour, and perspective to create scenes that sit playfully between observation and invention.
Exhibitions
2025 Group exhibition, Winter Light, Brunswick Street Gallery, Fitzroy VIC
2025 Solo exhibition, Light, dark, light again, Marios, Fitzroy VIC
2024 Group exhibition, Summertime, Arts Partners, Albury NSW
2023 Solo exhibition, Comings and Goings, Marios, Fitzroy VIC
2022 Group exhibition, Streets of My Town, Weswal Gallery, Tamworth NSW
2020 Solo exhibition, All the things that happened, Thirroul Gallery, Thirroul NSW
2014 Group exhibition, The Full Picture, Nicholas Building, Melbourne VIC
Awards
2023 Winner of Best Non-Traditional work under $1.5K: Camberwell Art Show
2021 Winner of Shortlist Award: Southern Buoy Studios Portrait Prize
2014 Winner of Best Emerging Artist award: Roberts McCubbin Art Show
Murals
2026 Eastern Health, Angliss Hospital Children’s short stay and theatre bays
2022 Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital Children’s Ward
2022 Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital Special Care Nursery
2021 Eastern Health, Angliss Hospital Maternity Ward
2015 Club Retro, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne