Adam Cullen

Adam Cullen was a unique figure in contemporary Australian art. His expressive paintings present a confronting view of urban and suburban life and a thread of social commentary runs throughout his oeuvre. Cullen's instantly recognisable visual language is always built around direct and instinctual depictions of scenes and character portraits that arose from his local surroundings. His work is laced with humour and vigour counterpoised by pathos and relentless honesty.

Cullen graduated from the City Art Institute, Sydney with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1986, a Diploma of Professional Art Studies in 1987 and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of New South Wales, Sydney in 1999. In 2008 the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney presented a survey of Cullen's painting and sculpture from 1990 titled 'Let's get lost' and, in 2002 Cullen represented Australia at the 25th Biennale de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cullen was awarded the Archibald Prize for his portrait of actor David Wenham in 2000. The artist's estate is represented by Gallery Ecosse, Exeter, New South Wales.