Athenie Leckey unveils first solo exhibition celebrating banksias

Melbourne’s fortyfivedownstairs gallery will host the debut solo exhibition of emerging artist Athenie Leckey, whose vibrant acrylic painting series pays tribute to one of Australia’s most iconic native plants – the Banksia.

Titled 79 Banksias, the exhibition opens on June 24 and runs through to July 5.

Athenie’s artistic journey with banksias began during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the project gained momentum after she encountered the book BANKSIAS by Kevin & Kathy Collins and Alex George.

Inspired by the meticulous botanical detail in the book, Athenie set out to represent each of the 79 recognised species of banksia in her own interpretive style.

Her paintings capture the essence of each species through stylised forms that remain true to botanical features like leaf shape and flower structure.

Rather than strictly realistic depictions, Athenie’s works lean into colourful expression, especially in the seed cones, which offer a playful contrast to the scientific precision that inspired them.

The backgrounds in her pieces reference the varied Australian landscapes that nurture these plants.

What began as a simple curiosity about a familiar shrub soon blossomed into a deep appreciation for the rich variation within the Banksia genus.

From towering trees to low ground covers, Athenie reveals how the plants vary in size, flower shape, orientation, and colour.

The exhibition showcases this diversity, with flower spikes ranging from three to 40cm and leaves that vary from fern-like fronds to sharp serrations.

Athenie transitioned into visual art following a career in health and education, bringing a background rich in craft traditions.

Since completing her Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, Athenie has exhibited in group shows since 2018. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as her first solo venture.

fortyfivedownstairs, located at 45 Flinders Lane, is a well-established space that champions independent artists in both the visual and performing arts.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm. •