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
Tim Storrier (age 44 in 1993)