The outstanding career of Dora Chapman began early - even whilst still a student in Adelaide. Throughout her life she worked as painter, silk-screen printer, potter and art teacher and her impressive work encompassed landscape, portraiture, still life and interiors.

Chapman was concerned with the making of social realist art where subject matter floated as if in no particular location. Her images of people were severe, honest, realistic and frequently unflattering as she sought to represent the truth. There was a sexual ambiguity in her figurative work - features were strong, with short hair and clothing suitable for either gender, conceivably inferring that the artist could be a young man. Perhaps this is not surprising, for in those times women were given little support and often no place to exhibit in a realm dominated by men. As a member of the Studio of Realist Art (SORA), all exhibiting members were men and she was relegated to the position of social secretary.

Dora had such a strong integrity of approach to her work and this demanding attitude also infiltrated her whole approach to life and relationships.

- Prue Venables