Yass, New South Wales

Yass - House, Workshop, Pavillion

In 2001 Madigan moved to Yass, in country New South Wales. She asked her friend the architect Gary Lewin to design a house and workshop on the 17 hectare pastoral property. Her only specifications were that it was to disturb the land as little as possible, have good southern light and have a lap pool. Madigan considered Gary to be a fellow artist and as such allowed him freedom of design. In this beautiful minimalist house, with wide aspect and peaceful environment Madigan lived quietly and almost reclusively until her death. Her prolific output continued unabated, especially focusing on works on paper during the latter years. The Pavillion building was added a few years after the original construction, and was used to house her collection in a sealed and secure viewing space. She purposefully made a decision not to have a garden, as she wanted to ensure she focused her full energy on her work.