THE PLACE TO BE by Pia Smeaton
Gallery Alchemy proudly presents "The Place To Be" by Pia Smeaton, an online solo exhibition
"The Place to Be" marks the debut exhibition of emerging artist Pia Smeaton, whose work captures the quiet dignity and enduring presence of buildings often overlooked in the urban landscape. These are not structures celebrated for their beauty or architectural purity—in fact, many bear the marks of unsympathetic renovations or utilitarian design. Yet, through Smeaton’s eyes, they are revealed as vital anchors of community life.
Drawing on her deep appreciation for architecture and a keen eye for typographic signage, Smeaton documents these spaces with affection and curiosity. Her artworks highlight the layered histories embedded in façades, the charm of hand-painted signs, and the resilience of places that continue to serve, shelter, and shape the people around them.
This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider what makes a place meaningful. It is not always grandeur or design, but connection, memory, and use. In celebrating the imperfect and the everyday, Smeaton reminds us that beauty can be found in familiarity, and that the most important places are often the ones we pass by without a second glance.
"The Place To Be" is exhibiting from July 26th till Aug 26th.
After a long and fulfilling career as a graphic designer, I turned to
painting as a way to navigate personal loss and emotional healing. The
shift from screen to canvas has been transformative—where digital work
demanded precision and control, painting has offered me a new kind of
freedom. Working with acrylics and oils allows for a more physical,
expressive process, and through it, I’ve rediscovered the joy of creating
with my hands. What began as a therapeutic outlet has grown into a vital
and evolving artistic practice.
Having lived and worked in Sydney for most of my life, I recently
relocated to the South Coast of New South Wales, where the natural
landscape has become a major source of inspiration. The expansive
skies, and coastal light have all influenced my palette and subject
matter. My work reflects a mix of graphic clarity and painterly
exploration—echoes of my design background and love of typography
have now filtered through a more intuitive, emotional lens. Each piece is
a response to my environment, memories, and the quiet strength found
in everyday moments.
Featured collection
Maroubra by Pia Smeaton
Coogee by Pia Smeaton
Seals Bra by Pia Smeaton
Fun and ? by Pia Smeaton
13th Hole by Pia Smeaton
Bondi by Pia Smeaton
