Sylvia Siddell (1941–2011) is best recognised for her ornate graphite works of complicated, shimmering moire patterns. Astoundingly, the vast majority of these trademark works were produced in less than decade — commencing in 1975, and concluding in 1984 when she became “wiped out by arthritis…” largely necessitating a switch to oil painting.

It was after witnessing Jan Nigro’s chilling exhibition of the Haast Series (Barry Lett Gallery, 1970) that Siddell was inspired to become very involved in the pencil technique… a medium [she felt] had not been much used. This exhibition by Nigro is a characteristically feminist, and macabre point of departure that sets the tone for Siddell’s artistic output, though her ensuing style was a...