The artist took up the still life motif in response to a family crisis, finding that he needed the discipline of working methodically from observation. He brought a force of concentration to bear on each work, gradually easing himself back into the stream of life. In these arrangements of fruit, blossoms and sundry objects, we seem to view everything from an aerial perspective, suggesting that for Fry a still life is also a kind of landscape.

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Can I afford it? It’s surprising to learn that after all these years, the record price for one of Fry’s works is only $5000. This is not a reflection of his abilities, but on his maverick temperament. The highest price you will pay for a piece in this exhibition is $3200, for one of three pictures: Capsicums on Chinese Tablecloth (65cm x 94cm), Rambutans on Lombok Beach (66cm x 93cm), or Seven Quinces and Two Candles (49cm x 94cm).

The least expensive are seven studies of melons – six on paper, one on papyrus – at $600 each. These paintings are all different sizes, and priced idiosyncratically.

Where can I have a squiz? ARO Gallery, 51 William Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, until tomorrow. merrickfry.com