Adam Cullen

An exhibition by one of Australia’s most colourful, collectible and controversial artists is showing at Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley from February 1 to March 6, 2021. 

Adam Cullen gained the moniker of an ‘enfant terrible’ after chaining a pig’s head to his ankle during art school and wearing it for weeks as it deteriorated.  

He remains one of Australia’s best known contemporary artists, rising to prominence after winning the 2000 Archibald Prize for his portrait of actor David Wenham. Cullen's early passing in 2012 left its mark on the Australian art movement. 

His work combined an irreverent humour and an astute reading of the human condition. Until his death the artist had no thought of changing direction on his interpretation of humanity and its many foibles. He was fearless in his approach, polarising his critics like few before him. 

In 2008 Cullen was the subject of a major retrospective at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Then Director Edmund Capon remarked ‘Cullen is culling the deep recesses of our own psyche and throwing out the trash on our own behalf while forever pointing the finger at hypocrisy and dubious premise’. 

Cullen's work has been collected into major private and corporate collections and is included in public institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

Some find his work inspirational, others find it questionable. It is nothing if not thought provoking. Don't miss this rare chance to see the artist's work showcased in Brisbane at Mitchell Fine Art.

Nice to know - Mitchell Fine Art is a large venue and there is ample room to view exhibitions safely, and the gallery staff are practicing safe social interaction.  

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