Lin Onus, a Yorta Yorta artist of Aboriginal and Scottish descent represents a singular voice in Australian art. Esteemed for his wit, talent and panache, Mr. Onus reconfigures what it means to be Australian - deftly producing art that reconciles the duality of his cultural identity.

After being unjustly expelled from school at age fourteen, Mr. Onus worked as a mechanic and activist, before teaching himself fine art. In doing so, he forged a style that combined photo-realism, surrealism and Indigenous iconography. Not only was this reflective of his heritage, it also represented his attitude at large, which championed reconciliation over segregation.

Koi at Sakei en is exemplary of Mr. Onus s talent. Produced in the year before his death, it recalls the artist s life-long negotiation of identity. In it, Japanese fish glide across a riverbed reminiscent of the Murray River - the artist’s spiritual home and final resting place. Comprised of traditional cross-hatching and an ochreous palette, this river-bed reflects his Indigenous heritage, while the Koi fish call on his Western roots. Importantly however, these phenomena are not in conflict. Instead, in utter harmony, Mr. Onus unites them at his Sakei-en - a tranquil Japanese garden.

Detailed, multi-coloured and impeccably composed, Koi at Sakei en testifies to an artist whose vision was only matched by his artistry. Caught between different worlds, Mr. Onus wrote in 1990 that he hoped to be remembered as a - bridge between cultures, technology and ideas-. With representation in most major Australian collections and an OBE, it is undoubtable that he has.

Lin ONUS (1948 - 1996)
'Koi at Sankei-ne' 1989
screenprint on paper
Edition of 99
Image Size: 50 x 78 cm
Dimensions: 82 x 110 x 4 cm
Signed: Editioned, titled, signed 'Lin Onus' and dated in lower margin.
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Condition is 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) Lin Onus / Copyright Agency