We were saddened to learn of the death from cancer of Alan Oldfield, painter, lecturer and long time staff member at the NSW University College of Fine Arts. A graduate of the National Art School in 1966, Oldfield traveled around Europe before retuning to Australia and took part in the epochal exhibition The Field at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1968. In the 1970s and 1980s, he turned more to figurative work that was intimate and colourful.
Oldfield joined the staff of Alexander Mackie College (as COFA was then known) in the 70s and taught and lectured there in various capacities until recently. Oldfield was one of the spiritual fathers of The Art Life – the owner of a wicked laugh, he was also an itinerant and irrepressible gossip with some of the best stories you could ever hope to hear. Oldfield’s funeral will be held this Friday, October 8 at 2pm at St James Church, King Street. According to the reader who sent us the news “Alan was a devout Anglo Catholic and had time to plan his funeral so this is going to a grand performance piece, which is appropriate.” And indeed it is. Adios amigo.
