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.

‘Kengarewe with Football’ is an iconic painting by Mombassa. It features his trademark character, the Kengarewe – a part kiwi, part sheep, part kangaroo. Like the artist, the Kengarawe is a fusion of New Zealand and Australia, sincere and silly, wrapped in a wool sweater and holding a rugby ball. In Mombassa’s perfectly rendered setting lie references to Howard Arkley’s technicolour bungalows, another artist invested in capturing suburbia.

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.

Fun, thought provoking and highly collectable, ‘Kengarewe with Football’ is a meditation of identity and culture.

Reg MOMBASSA (1951 - )
'Kengarewe with Football' 2008
oil on canvas
Image Size: 91 x 121 cm
Dimensions: 93 x 123 x 5 cm
Signed: Signed 'Reg M' in lower right corner; Signed 'C.O'D.' in lower left corner; Signed and titled verso 'Chris O'Doherty, Kengarewe with Football'.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition: Very Good: Work of art's image is in Excellent condition, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to frame. There is no disruption to the paint surface.

(c) The Artist or Assignee