This work originates from Garry Shead's book 'The Apotheosis of Ern Malley'. A legend of Australian culture, Ern Malley was a fictitious poet published by the literary journal 'The Angry Penguins'. Despite being heralded, Malley was actually a hoax designed to discredit modernism.

For Shead however, Malley's poetry transcends its creator's mischievous intent. Rather, emblematic of the Australian psyche, he seeks Malley as allegory for the creative individual's precarious path. As always, Shead's take is unexpected.

Collected by all public institutions, Shead has won the Archibald and Dobell prizes. Frolicking in the serious and profane, his work is at once poetic and interrogative. It will enliven collections of iconic Australian art, as well as all fans of Modernism, Australian history and a good hoax.

Garry SHEAD (1942 - )
'Sleeping Poet' 2005
etching on paper
Edition of 100
Image Size: 30 x 22 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 40 x 1 cm
Signed: Signed, titled and numbered in margin

This work of art is mounted, wrapped, backed and ready to be framed or to gift.

Condition: Excellent

© Garry Shead / Copyright Agency 2024