Artist Charles Billich and Real Housewives star Christa Billich donate art to St Vincent’s, RPA
A renowned eastern suburbs artist and his Real Housewives star wife have thanked Sydney’s medicos by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of art to those on the coronavirus frontline.
Wentworth Courier
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A renowned eastern suburbs artist and his reality star wife have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of artworks to front line medical staff to thank them for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Darlinghurst power couple Charles and Christa Billich gifted the 200 limited edition collectables, each valued at $950 to $2000, in four different prints to nurses, doctors and paramedics at St Vincent’s in Darlinghurst, to Double Bay Doctors who operated a drive through testing clinic, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in recent weeks.
Ms Billich, who now resides permanently in Darlinghurst but is best known for her role on Real Housewives of Melbourne, said she wrote personal notes of thanks to the frontline medical staff.
“We just hope the art gives them a little moment of joy in amongst all this grimness,” Ms Billich said.
“When we spoke to some of the doctors and nurses at Prince Alfred they hadn’t had a day off since January. Now that is dedication.”
The pandemic was the first time Billich Gallery at The Rocks has closed since its opening in 1985.
Not only has the original gallery reopened but the couple this month launched a new space at 191 William St, Darlinghurst.
Mr Billich, a contemporary surrealist known for his avant-garde style, said he had been prolific during his time of self isolation.
“I found that at home I was inspired by the skyline of Sydney and the beautiful views of the city we have,” Mr Billich said.
“I am beginning to paint on the subject of social disruption, tongue-in-cheek not doomsday scenarios, and making my own comment on the situation we are in.
“Because I have more time to meditate and more time to myself I feel my work has been improving. The public will be the judge but I think there’s been a renaissance.”
The only issue now is it appears Mr Billich has become so inspired during his time working from home his wife fears she will never get him out of the penthouse they share with their Pomeranian cross Chihuahua Charlie.
Charlie is a social media star in her own right boasting 85,000 Instagram followers.
“At the start of all of this I moved all of Charles’ brushes and paints and easels into our home,” Ms Billich said.
“If he could not paint, that is his life. If he would have to isolate without being able to create that would be torture.
“But now our home is his studio. And I think I have a problem getting him out of here again because he says it is so easy and fabulous.”