Sydney-born artist Tim Storrier AM is known for his evocative,
mysterious depictions of the Australian landscape. In 1968, while
studying at the National Art School, he became the youngest artist ever
to win the Sulman Prize (he was 19); he won again in 1984. Layering
colour to build rich tone and hue, Storrier’s paintings often feature
motifs of fire or floating, surreal elements, and capture his personal
reflections of the beauty and harshness of the outback. In his self
portraits, such as his 2012 Archibald Prize-winning The Histrionic Wayfarer (after Bosch),
figures are often represented through faceless, full-body depictions
comprised of brightly coloured personal objects that relate directly to
the subject’s identity. In this self portrait, however, Storrier has
painted his profile in a dark, stormy colour palette, with only his
glasses as an identifiable feature. It is shadowy and allusive, speaking
to the artist’s psychological self.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Dr Gene Sherman AM and Brian Sherman AM 2012
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Tim Storrier
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