Garry Shead

Garry Shead is a renowned Australian artist, known for his unique and captivating works that often explore the relationship between Australia, European art, and Indigenous Australian culture. His artistic journey has been influenced by various styles, including Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, as seen in the works of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol. Shead's paintings often incorporate elements of Australian history, Mythology of the Indigenous Australians, and Christianity, reflecting his interest in the works of Albert Namatjira, Rupert Bunny, and Norman Lindsay. Throughout his career, Shead has been associated with prominent Australian artists, such as Charles Billich, Pro Hart, and Ken Done.

Biography

Garry Shead was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and grew up in a family that encouraged his artistic pursuits. He studied at the National Art School in Sydney, where he was exposed to the works of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Henri Matisse. Shead's early career was marked by his involvement with the Sydney Push, a group of artists and intellectuals that included Germaine Greer, Clive James, and Robert Hughes. This association had a significant impact on his artistic development, as he was introduced to the ideas of Marxism, Existentialism, and Feminism, which are reflected in the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Simone de Beauvoir. Shead's travels to Europe, Asia, and North America have also influenced his art, with notable visits to the Louvre, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Tate Modern.

Artistic style and themes

Garry Shead's artistic style is characterized by his use of vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and a blend of Abstract and Figurative art. His themes often explore the tension between Western culture and Indigenous Australian culture, as seen in the works of Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale. Shead's paintings frequently incorporate elements of Mythology, Symbolism, and Allegory, drawing inspiration from the works of William Blake, Gustave Doré, and Odilon Redon. His interest in Australian history and Politics is also evident, with references to events such as the Eureka Stockade, the Gallipoli Campaign, and the Mabo decision. Shead's artistic style has been compared to that of Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney, with whom he shares a fascination with the human condition and the role of the artist in society.

Major works and series

Garry Shead has created several notable series and works, including his Erichtho series, which explores the relationship between Mythology and Psychology. His Queen Kate series is a tribute to Catherine of Aragon, the wife of Henry VIII, and reflects his interest in European history and Royal families. Shead's Drover's Wife series is a reinterpretation of the classic Australian novel by Henry Lawson, and demonstrates his ability to engage with Literary themes and Australian folklore. Other notable works include his Self-portraits, which showcase his skill as a Portrait painter, and his Landscape paintings, which capture the beauty of the Australian outback and the Blue Mountains. Shead's works can be found in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Exhibitions and collections

Garry Shead's works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, including the National Gallery of Victoria, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. His paintings are held in the collections of the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney. Shead has also participated in international exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennale and the Biennale of Sydney, where his works have been showcased alongside those of Anish Kapoor, Gerhard Richter, and Cindy Sherman. His association with prominent art dealers, such as Leonard Joel and Christie's, has helped to establish his reputation as a leading Australian artist.

Recognition and legacy

Garry Shead has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Australian art, including the Archibald Prize and the Wynne Prize. He has been recognized for his services to the arts by the Order of Australia, and has been awarded honorary degrees by the University of New South Wales and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Shead's legacy extends beyond his own artistic practice, as he has inspired a generation of Australian artists, including Tim Storrier, George Gittoes, and Julie Dowling. His works continue to be celebrated for their unique blend of Australian culture, European art history, and Indigenous Australian perspectives, and are held in the highest regard by institutions such as the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the State Library of New South Wales. Category: Australian artists