An Antipodean icon, Reg Mombassa—also known as Chris O’Doherty—occupies a rare cultural space, equally influential as artist, musician, and designer. One of Australia’s most collected and instantly recognisable contemporary figures, his work is worn, loved, and collected by audiences ranging from Patrick White to Elton John.

In this artwork depicting a skeleton clad in an army uniform, Mombassa’s humour does the heavy lifting. With a wink rather than a wagging finger, the image playfully yet pointedly undermines ideas of authority, heroism, and militarism. The skeletal figure—at once comical and confronting—becomes a reminder of human fragility beneath uniforms and symbols of power, inviting viewers to laugh even as they reflect.

Irreverent, darkly humorous, and unmistakably Mombassa, the work skewers our myths and rituals while refusing to take them—or ourselves—too seriously. For collectors of irreverent contemporary Australian art, Mombassa remains an artist not to miss.

Reg MOMBASSA (1951 - )
'Decorated Skeleton' 2017
Oil on board
Image Size: 40 x 20 cm
Signed: Titled and signed verso 'Decorated Skeleton, Reg Mombassa'

Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.

(c) The Artist or Assignee