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(3.50 - 129 votes)About Antony:
Internationally acclaimed artist Antony Micallef appeared on the art scene in 2000, winning second prize in the BP National Portrait Award. Since then his mix of political imagery fused with contemporary expressionism has won him world wide acclaim. Recent exhibitions include group shows at the Royal Academy and the Tate Britain.
Born in Swindon, England and a graduate in Fine Arts from the University of Plymouth, some of Micallef’s work illustrates many contemporary cultural aspects and connects them with the human experience. His use of neutral colors and depictions of the human form delve beyond pop culture and bring to the surface many of the things that operate underneath the cultural construct. Aspects of Micallef’s work examines our dichotomous relationship with consumerism, questioning how we can despise multi-national brands yet still allow ourselves to be seduced by them. He frequently uses the union of two opposites to make an intriguing chemistry. Micallef’s practice has been summarized as ‘critical pop’, exposing the darker side of our consumerist society and the human condition.
His painting style has been compared to Francis Bacon and is seen as an amalgamation of influences from the old masters such as Caravaggio and Velázquez to more modern contemporary photographers and graphic artists. His depiction of the human body and mark making echo his teachings from John Virtue, who in turn was taught by Frank Auerbach. The rawness of expressionistic painterly marks is a stark contrast to the more graphic elements which surfaces throughout his work.
this is pretty cool but i bet you i can do better
Comment by luis — December 4, 2009
These are not good examples of his work. You need to see the artist’s site. To pull off this style, content and context takes a heck of a lot of competence and Anthony has it in spades. His approach and the work itself is pristine in it’s delivery of passion and edgy grit.
The blurb statement is a pompous turn-off.
Comment by Jerry, Utah — December 4, 2009
bad ass
Comment by dude — December 4, 2009
I don’t like guns. sorry. Wondering why the figure at the top has no hands?
Comment by anonymous — December 4, 2009
the first one is great and the second one is awesome
Comment by Daffy — December 4, 2009
All the grandiose twaddle aside….interesting
Comment by Hazel — December 4, 2009
enough with the violence already
Comment by Billy Badd — December 4, 2009
The first one is too busy for my taste, but i like the second quite a bit.
Comment by Jake — December 4, 2009
This is good.
Comment by McTim — December 4, 2009
pretty cool. i like the white space in these offerings. definitely checking out the artist’s site.
Comment by Lupe — December 4, 2009