Reg Mombassa (a.k.a Chris O Doherty) has been a musician, clothing designer for Mambo and artist. His work is instantly recognisable, characterised by a fusion of the mundane – even suburban – and surreal, producing whimsical images that can pack a progressive punch.

‘Burnt gums on the King’s highway’ is a familiar scene from a road trip – charred trees skirting a highway. In reference to Australia’s history of bushfires and burning off, Mombassa’s landscape is both beautiful and poignant, a metaphor for the precarity – and resilience – of nature.

An Antipodean icon, Mombassa is one of Australia’s most collected, celebrated and recognised contemporary artists. From playing with Mental As Anything to being collected by Patrick White, Elton John and the National Gallery of Australia, Mombassa continues to feature in the collective imagination, living on walls, album covers and t-shirts across Australia.

Reg MOMBASSA (1951 - )
'Burnt gums on the King's highway'
Charcoal on paper
Image Size: 38 x 53 cm
Dimensions: 42 x 60 cm
Signed: Titled and Signed 'Reg M' below image; Signed 'C.O'D' in lower left corner of image.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: Image is in Excellent condition, but some small signs of surrounding wear to paper. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the image surface.

(c) The Artist or Assignee