Antony Micallef
| Antony Micallef | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 1975 Swindon, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Education | University of Plymouth |
| Known for | Painting |
Antony Micallef (born 1975 in Swindon) is an English contemporary artist and painter.
Micallef appeared on the British art scene in 2000, winning second prize in the BP Portrait Award competition. Since then, his mix of political imagery fused with contemporary expressionism has won him worldwide acclaim. Recent exhibitions include group shows at the Royal Academy and the Tate Britain.
His paintings examine the contemporary relationship with consumerism and branding among other themes. His work concerns itself with what he sees as the ‘frivolities’ of pop culture in a process that’s been dubbed ‘critical pop’.
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 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, a former student of Frank Auerbach. The rawness of expressionistic painterly marks is a stark contrast to the more graphic elements which surfaces throughout his work.
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