Portrait of an artist: Helga Groves

Join us for a conversation with acclaimed Australian artist Helga Groves, whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, weaving, drawing and animation.

Grounded in extensive research, Groves’ work explores deep geological time, natural phenomena and the physical properties of the environments she encounters. Through meticulous mark-making, layered tonal fields and abstract forms, her practice translates first-hand observations of diverse landscapes into immersive compositions that evoke the rhythm, luminosity and materiality of place.

In this discussion with art historian Michele Helmrich, Groves will reflect on her creative process, the role of field research in shaping her work, and how memory, environment and abstraction continue to inform her evolving practice.

About Portrait of an artist

This event is part of Portrait of an artist, a series showcasing the James C Sourris AM collection of artist interviews held at State Library. Audiences will experience a screening of Helga Groves' interview, followed by an in-conversation and Q&A session.

Generously supported by James C Sourris AM through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Image: Helga Groves studio portrait standing in front of a painting titled Undersea, 2026, photographer unknown.