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Wealth for toil I
The banner is an ideal medium for Raquel Ormella, who is preoccupied with the capacity of art to effect social change. Known for exploring the social and political climate through her work, Ormella
Raquel Ormella, born 1969
Raquel Ormella: The 1 Best-Known Paintings
Of all Raquel Ormella's paintings, Wealth for toil I (2014) is the most famous; it hangs in the Ian Potter Museum of Art, Carlton. Among the 1 works by Raquel Ormella in our catalogue, these 1 are the most celebrated, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated November 2026.
- Born · died
- born 1969, Sydney
- Works in our catalogue
- 1
- Most famous
- Wealth for toil I (2014)
- Most works at
- Ian Potter Museum of Art
Raquel Ormella's 10 most celebrated paintings
Where Raquel Ormella's canvases hang
The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Raquel Ormella | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ian Potter Museum of Art |
Carlton | 1 | Wealth for toil I |
Year by year: Raquel Ormella's most celebrated canvases
One year, 2014, holds every dated canvas by Raquel Ormella on this page: here they are, most famous first.
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2014
Ranked 1 of 1Wealth for toil I
The banner is an ideal medium for Raquel Ormella, who is preoccupied with the capacity of art to effect social change. Known for exploring the social and political…
Your questions on Raquel Ormella's paintings, answered
Which is the most celebrated painting by Raquel Ormella?Read the answer
Wealth for toil I (2014).
How old was Raquel Ormella at the time of Wealth for toil I?Read the answer
Raquel Ormella, born in 1969, was 45 years old: Wealth for toil I dates from 2014.
How many paintings by Raquel Ormella are known?Read the answer
1 works by Raquel Ormella are in our catalogue.
Which museums hold Raquel Ormella's best-known canvases?Read the answer
Mostly in Ian Potter Museum of Art (Carlton); the list above names each museum and its canvases.
Raquel Ormella: the painter's story
Raquel Ormella: A Voice for Ecology and Activism
Raquel Ormella (born 1969) stands as a prominent figure in contemporary Australian art, recognized for her multifaceted approach to multimedia works—ranging from posters and banners to videography and intricate needlework. Her artistic vision consistently champions themes of activism and social justice, skillfully interwoven into diverse mediums, earning critical acclaim across galleries and museums throughout Australia and internationally. From the Shepparton Art Museum to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Ormella’s oeuvre has captivated audiences with its exploration of pressing issues concerning national identity and environmental stewardship.- Early Life & Education: Born in Sydney, Australia, Ormella pursued her artistic passions at the University of Western Sydney (UWS), culminating in a Master of Fine Arts degree and subsequently earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Australian National University (ANU). Her doctoral research focused on examining human interactions with urban birds—a fascination that profoundly informs her artistic practice.
- Conceptual Foundations & Influences: Ormella’s artistic trajectory is marked by engagement with conceptual art, particularly the Vienna School of Art and Design, where she honed her understanding of materiality and its role in conveying meaning. This influence resonates throughout her work, prioritizing thoughtful consideration and resisting simplistic representations.
- Multimedia Exploration & Artistic Style: Ormella’s artistic style transcends traditional boundaries, embracing video installations, textile art—specifically hand-stitched embroidery—and zine production. Her distinctive technique prioritizes meticulous detail and layering of textures, creating immersive experiences that invite contemplation on complex subjects.
Notable Achievements & Exhibitions
Ormella’s artistic output has been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions across Australia and abroad, demonstrating her dedication to disseminating challenging perspectives on social and ecological concerns. Key achievements include:- Biennial Recognition: Inclusion in the Asian Art Biennial (Taiwan), California-Pacific Triennial, Aichi Triennale (Japan), Sydney Biennale, Istanbul Biennale, São Paulo Biennale
- Australian Galleries: Exhibitions at Material Politics (MUMA) and The National (ANU)
- Solo Presentations: Solo exhibitions at Milani Gallery (Brisbane), Artspace (Sydney), Lab 14 Carltonconnect University of Melbourne and Gertrude Contemporary Art Spaces (Melbourne).