B. 1923

Born in 1923, Australian artist Helge John (Jon) Molvig was a key figure in the development of Australian expressionism. After leaving school and working in the Newcastle steelworks, it was Molvig’s deployment to Papua New Guinea during World War II that sparked his interest in art. After witnessing the sketches of fellow soldier Stanislaw Payne, Molvig was inspired to enrol at the East Sydney Technical College upon his return to Australia. It was, however, his journey to Europe in 1949 that most informed Molvig’s artistic language.

Adopting the loose, expressionist style that characterises German and Norwegian modernist paintings, Molvig soon became renowned for his visually-rich figurative artworks. Best known for his work in portraiture, Molvig completed eleven Archibald prize portraits, winning in 1966 with his portrait of Charles Blackman. He is also known for his ‘Centralian’ series, a collection of paintings based on his travels into Central Australia that poignantly highlight the dispossession and alienation of the Australian First Nations people.

As his career progressed, Molvig focused his efforts on arts teaching before passing away in 1970 at age 46. Molvig is well-represented within Australian public art galleries including the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, and Queensland Art Gallery - Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

For a more in-depth biography of this artist, click here.