Adam Cullen turned some of Australia's most enduring cultural archetypes into images that are confronting, irreverent and impossible to ignore. A self-described enfant terrible, he burst onto the Australian art scene with a punk gesture: chaining a pig's head to his ankle for two weeks. The provocation was typical of an artist whose work relentlessly interrogated masculinity, violence, crime and the darker impulses of Australian life.

This rare original etching marks a moment of artistic introspection. Over Alien is Cullen's self-portrait, in which the artist confronts the viewer head-on, squarely posed and facing forward. His expression is neutral, but his eyes are wide. Two spikes poke up from behind his ears, resembling horns or antennas, perhaps the "alien" quality of the title. By casting himself as alien, Cullen reflects on a life spent alienated from society as an alternative artist.

Hand-signed and exceptionally scarce, this impression is from an edition of only ten.

Winner of the Archibald Prize in 2000 and a finalist on several other occasions, Cullen was the subject of a major retrospective at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2008. His work holds an important place in Australian contemporary art, distinguished by its punk sensibility, dark humour and fearless examination of national identity.

Over Alien is a compelling addition to a collection of Australian contemporary art, particularly for collectors drawn to Cullen's provocative sense of identity and his unique style.

Adam CULLEN (1965 - 2012)
'Over Alien' 2005
Etching on paper
Edition of 10
Image Size: 10 x 10 cm
Dimensions: 21 x 20 cm
Signed: Editioned, titled, signed and dated in bottom margin.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Some foxing in margins; does not impact image.Another impression of this work is represented at the National Gallery of Australia, accession number:2007.1549.74

Condition: Very good.
(c) Adam Cullen / Copyright Agency