Donald Friend

Like many fellow artists, Donald Friend has had a strong association with the Paddington area of Sydney. Traditionally a suburb built for the burgeoning labour forces, Paddington attracted a diverse group of residents over the years, including Margaret Olley, John Olsen and William Rose – to name only a few.

Up Cascade Street behind the Tattooed Lady combines all the whimsy and skill of Friend at his best. The picture is jam-packed with a kaleidoscope of busy images that made up Paddington then and now. The lady is 'Tattooed' with images of footballers at Trumper Park in the rain, prams being pushed and lovers arguing on a balcony, juxtaposed with darker images of the seedier side of Paddington, a man hanging by the neck and a raised knife dripping with blood.

This is the work of an artist at the height of his power, and with a knowledge only possible for someone who had lived and breathed these streets.