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Antony Micallef

Antony Micallef was born in Swindon in 1975, a graduate in Fine Arts from the University of Plymouth, Antony Micallef first appeared on the art scene in 2000 after 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. It’s reported that collectors of his work include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Damien Hirst, among others.

Juxtaposing the saccharine seduction of colourful pop imagery and consumerism alongside its dark and troubling underbelly, Micallef’s dreamlike images are inspired by the works of old masters, fashion magazines, popular culture, graffiti and Japanese cartoons alike.

Micallef’s work has been described both as ‘Caravaggio meets Manga’ and ‘Bacon in Disneyland’, with Antony himself saying “my work is like watching a Disney movie which slowly turns into violent pornography”. His depiction of the human body and mark making technique echo’s 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.